Defintion of abnormality

• What is the definition of psychopathology?

  It is the scientific study of mental health disorders.
• How is abnormality defined in psychology?

  Abnormality is defined as ‘different from what is usual or average’.
• What does abnormality refer to in the context of psychology?

  It refers to differences in behavior that often lead to distress.
• Why are psychologists interested in defining abnormal behavior?

  To treat it when it occurs and improve an individual's quality of life.
• What is the DSM-V?

  It is a diagnostic and statistical manual detailing all mental health disorders and their criteria.
• What are social norms?

  They are unwritten rules in a society or culture that detail acceptable behavior.
• How is deviation from social norms defined?

  It is behavior that violates unwritten rules about what is acceptable in a society or culture.
• Why are social norms rarely universal?

  Because they vary due to cultural context and generational judgments.
• What is a limitation of using deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality?

  It should not be the sole reason for defining abnormality, as other factors must be considered.
• What is cultural relativism?

  It is the view that behavior cannot be judged properly without considering the culture in which it originates.
• How can reliance on deviation from social norms lead to human rights abuses?

  It can lead to systematic abuse by misusing diagnoses to control minority groups.
• How is statistical infrequency defined in the context of abnormality?

  A behavior is considered abnormal if it is statistically uncommon or rarely seen in society.
• When does the statistical approach work best?

  It works best with characteristics that can be reliably measured.
• What is a limitation of using statistical infrequency in diagnosing conditions?

  Unusual characteristics can be positive and do not always require treatment.
• Why might labeling someone as abnormal not be beneficial?

  It could negatively impact how others perceive and treat them.
• How can the definition of abnormality be applied in real life?

  It can be used to diagnose conditions like intellectual disability disorder.
• What is a strength of the failure to function adequately definition?

  It includes the subjective experience of the individual, acknowledging their feelings.
• What is a challenge in assessing failure to function adequately?

  Subjective judgments are required to determine if a patient is distressed or distressing.
• What is a risk of treating behaviors as failures of adequate functioning?

  It risks limiting personal freedom and may lead to discrimination.
• How is deviation from ideal mental health defined?

  It classifies someone as abnormal if they deviate from what is considered ideal mental health.
• What criteria did Marie Johoda suggest for good mental health?

  Positive attitudes towards oneself, self-actualization, resistance to stress, personal autonomy, realistic view of the world, and adapting to the environment.
• What is a strength of the deviation from ideal mental health definition?

  It is comprehensive and covers a broad range of criteria for mental health.
• What is a limitation of the criteria for ideal mental health?

  It is unrealistic to expect individuals to meet all criteria all the time.
• How does cultural relativism affect the criteria for ideal mental health?

  The criteria are based on Western ideals and may not apply well to other cultures.
• What are the four types of abnormality discussed in the study material?

  • Statistical infrequency/deviation
  • Deviation from social norms
  • Failure to function adequately
  • Deviation from ideal mental health
• What is a strength of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality?

  It is objective, universal, and quick for clinical assessments.
• What cognitive characteristics are associated with OCD?

  Obsessive thoughts that sufferers know are irrational and intrusive.
• What is a weakness of using failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality?

  It is subjective and risks restricting personal freedoms.
• What are the cognitive characteristics of depression?

  Poor concentration and negative thoughts.
• What are the emotional characteristics of depression?

  Low mood, lack of pleasure, and feelings of worthlessness.
• What are the behavioral characteristics of OCD?

  Constantly repeating actions and compulsions that hinder everyday functioning.
• What are Rosehan and Seligman’s criteria for failing to function adequately?

  Experiencing suffering and severe distress through inability to cope, and behavior that is irrational or dangerous.
• What is a weakness of using statistical infrequency?

  Some abnormal behaviors are frequent, and some are positive, leading to negative labeling.
• What are the emotional characteristics of phobias?

  Persistent and excessive fear.
• What is a strength of using failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality?

  It focuses on the patient perspective and allows others to identify problems.
• What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

  Anxiety, depression, and loss of pleasure in everyday activities.
• What are the behavioral characteristics of depression?

  Loss of energy, fatigue, disrupted sleep patterns, and altered eating patterns.
• What are the cognitive characteristics of phobias?

  Selective attention and irrational beliefs about the phobic stimulus.
• What does the failure to function adequately definition of abnormality mean?

  It means the failure to cope with the demands of everyday life.
• What are Jahoda’s criteria for ideal mental health?

  Positive view of self, capable of self-actualization, independence, accurate view of reality, coping with stress, and ability to master the environment.