Psychopathology

• What does statistical infrequency imply about a disorder?

  A disorder is abnormal if its frequency is low
• Why are some characteristics considered abnormal despite being frequent?

  Some infrequent behaviors are desirable
• What are the strengths of using statistical infrequency as a measure of abnormality?

  • Provides a clear and measurable way to identify behavior
  • Standardized tool with built-in reliability
  • Not all statistically infrequent behaviors are undesirable
• What does deviation from social norms imply?

  Straying from what is considered acceptable in society
• What is a limitation of social norms in defining abnormality?

  Social norms are culturally relative
• How can context affect the perception of abnormality?

  Abnormality can depend on the situation or environment
• Why might some behaviors considered socially deviant be seen as eccentricity?

  They may not account for personal differences
• What does failure to function adequately refer to?

  Inability to cope with daily routine
• What are some indicators of failure to function adequately?

  Good personal hygiene and socializing
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the failure to function adequately definition?

  Strengths:

  • Provides clear guidance and observable behavior

  Weaknesses:

  • May be subjective; not wanting a job doesn't mean mental illness
• What does deviation from ideal mental health suggest?

  There are distinct markers signaling 'wellness'
• Who proposed the six characteristics of ideal mental health?

  Marie Jahoda
• What are the six characteristics of ideal mental health according to Jahoda?

  • Positive attitudes towards self
  • Self-actualization
  • Autonomy
  • Resistance to stress
  • Accurate perception of reality
  • Environmental mastery
• What is a limitation of the deviation from ideal mental health definition?

  Six conditions may be unrealistic for everyone
• What is a strength of the deviation from ideal mental health definition?

  • Holistic measure considering all facets of a person