Psychopathology

• Definitions of Abnormality

  Statistical Infrequency - the frequency of the disorder is more than two standard deviations away from the mean incidence rates represented on a normally-distributed bell curve. e.g average IQ is 85-115 so anything outside of this range is 'abnormal'
• Statistical Infrequency Evaluation

  X some abnormal behaviour is desirable - e.g IQ scores 130+ are just an unusual as those below 70, but we wouldn't think of super-intelligence as an undesirable trait. This is a limitation as it's not a complete explanation and so couldn't be used on its own to make a diagnosis

  X where's the line between normal and abnormal - e.g IQ scores, below 70 indicates some from of mental disability, however for depression it's more difficult to say where the line is. Lacks validity because we can't decide how rare behaviour has to be to be abnormal
• Definitions of Abnormality

  Deviation from Social Norms - when a person behaves in a way that is different to how we expect people to behave. e.g if someone experiences certain hallucinations (which breaches the social norms of multiple cultures also, whereas other cultures may encourage this as a sign of spirituality)
• Evaluation of Deviation form Social Norms

  X Culturally relative - e.g hearing voices is socially acceptable in some cultures but would be abnormal in the UK. This definition creates problems for people from one culture living within another

  X Not a sole explanation of abnormality - APD shows that deviation from social norms is a good definition but there's other factors to consider such as distress to others (failure to function adequately). Therefore its never the sole reason, so not a complete definition.
• Definitions of Abnormality

  Failure to Function Adequately - unable to cope with day to day living

  Signs to determine this:

  • no longer conforms to standard social skills e.g eye contact
  • experiences severe personal distress or causes distress to others
  • behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or others
• Evaluation of Failure to Function Adequately

  X Subjective judgements - a psychiatrist needs to decide whether a person is distressed, some patients may say they're distressed but may be judged as not suffering. This questions the validity of the definition

  X Some people may appear to be functioning normally but could have a serious mental health illness - e.g psychopaths, people with dangerous personality disorders can cause great harm yet appear normal - Harold Shipman. This questions the validity of using this definition to identify abnormality
• Definitions of Abnormality

  Deviation from ideal mental health - set of criteria for ideal mental health. 6 characterisitcs for ideal mental health according to Jahoda are (the less you have, more abnormal) :

  • Resistance to stress - able to cope with stressful situations
  • Accurate perception of reality - seeing life as it is, not in a way nobody else sees it
  • Positive attitude toward yourself - high self-esteem
  • Personal autonomy - being independent
  • Adapt to any new environment
  • Self actualisation of potential - how much you develop to your full potential
• Evaluation of Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

  X Culturally relative - specific to western European and North American cultures e.g emphasis on personal achievement would be considered self-indulgent in much of the world because the emphasis is so much on the individual rather than the family. These traits are typical of individualist cultures (focus is on independence), so can't be generalised

  X Too idealistic - very few will attain all criteria so would see most as abnormal. This sets unrealistically high standards for mental health, this isn't realistic enough to generalise to all