psycopathology

• Statistical infrequency


  Occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic

  → Average IQ is 100

  → -70/130+ is abnormal

  → Bell curve used to establish IQ
• Evaluate statistical infrequency


  :) Relies on real unbiased data so is objective

  :( not all abnormal behaviours are actually abnormal → 10% of people will be chronically depressed at some point

  :( cultural factors - what is statistically normal in one culture may not be normal in another

  :( some abnormal characteristics can be beneficial
• Deviation from ideal mental health

  Occurs when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health

  Proposed by Marie Johoda (1958):

  - no distress

  - we are rational

  - self actualise

  - we cope with stress

  - realistic view of the world

  - good self esteem and lack guilt

  - we are independent of other people

  - we can successfully work, love and enjoy our leisure
• Evaluate deviation from ideal mental health

  :) hollistic

  :) permits identification of exactly what is needed so goals and targets can be made

  :( over-demanding criteria

  :) subjective criteria → Diagnosing physical health is more objective whereas diagnosing mental health is more subjective
• Deviation from social norms

  Behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society

  
  

  Example; antisocial personality disorder → impulsive, aggressive and irresponsible and lack of empathy is shown which is different
• Evaluate deviation from social norms

  :) Protects society - protects us from the effects people's abnormalities can have on others

  :( subjective

  :( changes over time & culture
• Failure to function adequately


  An inability to cope with day-to-day living

  
  

  Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) said this was when:

  
  

  - A person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules

  - when a person experiences severe personal distress

  - When a persons behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or others

  
  

  Example: intellectual disability disorder
• Evaluate failure to function adequately

  :) observable behaviour: allows judgement from others

  :( doesn't take into account normal abnormality ie. grief from death of a loved one

  :( subjective
• OCD


  A condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour
• OCD behavioural characteristics


  Compulsions - repetitive as they feel compelled and it reduces anxiety

  
  

  Avoidance
• OCD emotional characteristics


  Anxiety and distress, accompanying depression, guilt and disgust
• OCD cognitive characteristics


  Obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with obsessions, insight into excessive anxiety
• Phobias


  irrational fears of specific objects or situations
• phobia behavioural characteristics


  Panic, crying or screaming

  Avoidance

  Persistent or excessive fear
• phobia emotional characteristics


  Anxiety

  Fear
• phobia cognitive characteristics


  Irrational beliefs

  Cognitive distortions

  Selective attention to phobia stimulus