EVALUATION psychopathology

• One limitation of statistical infrequency is...

  Unusual characteristics can be positive. IQ scores over 130 are just as unusual as IQ scores below 70, but super-intelligence isn't seen as an undesirable trait. This shows that just because very few people display certain behaviours does make the behaviour statistically abnormal but it doesn't mean it requires treatment to return to normal. Therefore the definition cannot solely be used to define abnormality.
• One strength of statistical infrequency is...

  Usefulness (real world application). An example of statistical infrequency used as an assessment tool is Beck's depression inventory. A score of 30+ is widely interpretated as severe depression. Suggesting that statistical infrequency can be used in clinical practice, both as part of formal diagnosis and to assess the severity of symptoms. Therefore it is a valuable diagnosis and assessment tool for mental health disorders.
• One limitation of statistical infrequency is...

  Negative implications such as labelling. For example someone with a very low IQ score who lives a satisfying life and can cope with this lifestyle would not need a label like intellectual disability disorder. This shows there is a social stigma attached to such labels, so giving a label to someone unnecessarily can be detrimental to their self image. Therefore labelling someone as abnormal because they are statistically unusual is likely to do more harm than good.
• One strength of deviation from social norms is...

  Usefulness (real world application). For example the key defining characteristic of antisocial personality disorder is the failure to conform to culturally acceptable ethical behaviour, i.e reckless, aggression. All the examples stated are signs of deviation from social norms and being able to identify such deviation is useful in clinical practise. Therefore this suggest that deviations from social norms has made a valuable contribution in psychiatry and classifying mental health disorders which will enable psychiatrists, implement treatments
• One limitation of deviation from social norms is...

  Cultural and situational relativism. For example a person from one cultural group may label someone from another group as abnormal using their own standards rather than a persons standards, e.g hearing voices is a norm in some cultures but not in the UK. Even within the same culture social norms differ from one situation to another. Aggressive and deceitful behaviour in the context of family life is seen as more socially unacceptable than in a corporate decision making environment. Therefore it is difficult to universally apply.
• One strength of failure to function adequately...

  Includes the subjective experience of the individual. Although it is difficult to assess the distress the definition acknowledges the experience of the patient which is important. This shows that failure to function adequately captures the experience of many people who need help. Therefore, this suggests that failure to function adequately is a useful definition for assessing abnormality.
• One limitation of failure to function adequately...


  Failure to function may not be abnormal. For example a bereavement may mean people do not engage in consistent personal hygiene or nutrition. This shows that it would be unfair to give someone a label of abnormality because they may be reacting in the same way that most of us would in that situation. Therefore the definition fails to incorporate that every individual may fail to function in an adequate manner.
• One limitation of deviation from ideal mental health....

  May not be equally applicable cross a range of cultures. Some of Jahoda's criteria for ideal mental health are in the context of US and Europe, a concept like self-actualisation may be dismissed as self-indulgent in other parts of the world. Even in Europe there is variation in personal independence, High in Germany and low in Italy. Therefore it is difficult to apply from one culture to another.
• One strength of deviation from ideal mental health...

  Highly comprehensive, Jahoda's criteria includes a range of criteria for distinguishing between ideal mental health and a disorder. This means an individuals mental health can be discusses across a range of professions. Such as a psychiatrist for reducing symptoms and a humanistic psychologist for self-actualisation. Therefore ideal mental health definition provides a checklist to assess ourselves and discuss psychological issues.