Psychology- Psychopathology definitions of Abnormality

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Definitions of Abnormality
Statistical Infrequency/ Deviation
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Statistical Deviation
Any usual behaviour is thought as as 'normal' any behaviour thats different is 'abnormal'
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Example Of statistical deviation
IQ + Intellectual disability disorder: Majority of peoples scores cluster around average further up or down average fewer number of people will attain that score- Normal distribution. Average IQ 100 68% people score between 85-115. 2% score below 70
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IQ
2% below 70 receive diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder, mental retardation
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Evaluation - Real-life explanation
Diagnosis of IDD. All assessments of patients with mental disorder include a measurement of how severe symptoms are compared to statistical norms. used in clinical assessment
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Unusual Characteristics can be positive
IQ scores over 140 unusual but behaviour isn't undesirable. Not all behaviour means requires treatment to be 'normal' Cant use this definition alone
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Not everyone unusual benefits from a label
if someones happy theres no benefit them being labelled abnormal. Negative effect on others opinions
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Definition of Abnormality
Deviation from social norms
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Deviation from social norms
Person behaves in a way different from how they are expected to behave. offends peoples sense of whats acceptable. collective judgement as society about whats right
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Norms specific to the culture we live in
different for each generation and culture we live in. Few behaviours considered universally abnormal on basis they breech social norms. E.g Homosexuality abnormal in some cultures
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Example: Antisocial personality disorder
Impulsive, aggressive. One symptom is 'Absence of prosocial internal standard associated with failure to conform to lawful or culturally normative ethical behaviour. social judgement that they are abnormal because don't conform to moral standard.
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Evaluation: Not a sole explanation
real life application of diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder. Have to consider other factors e.g Failure to function. Deviation from social norms isn't sole reason for defining abnormality
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Cultural relativism
Social norms vary from cultures and generation e.g person from one culture may label someone from another culture as behaving abnormally E.g Hearing voices of dead is accepted in some cultures, other is sign of mental abnormality. problems
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Lead to human rights abuses
***********- women- sexual attraction to women labelled as abnormal but homosexual. Brapetomania- black lace- running away. Maintain control over ethnic minorities and women.
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Definitions of Abnormality- Failure to function adequately
Abnormal when they can't cope with the demands of everyday life. E.g someone unable to maintain a basic standard of nutrition and hygiene, can't maintain relationships
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Signs someones not coping
No longer conforms to standard interpersonal rule E.g. respecting person space. Person experiences severe personal distress. Behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or other
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Example: Intellectual disability disorder
Have low IQ but also must be failing to function adequately before diagnosed
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Evaluation: Patients Perspective
Strength, includes subjective experiences of the individual. Acknowledges the experiences of the patient is import. Useful for assessing abnormality.
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Is it not just a deviation from social norms?
E.g New Age travellers- Don't use permanent accommodation, don't work. Base Jumpers- take part in an extreme sport with high morality rate. Alternative lifestyle. Failure to function adequately- limit personal freedom + discriminate against minority
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Subjective Judgement
Psychiatrist has the choice whether to make overall judgement. What a psychiatrist see as failing to function to adequately varies.
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Definition of abnormality- Deviation from ideal mental health
Idea of what makes someone normal. Idea of how we should be psychologically healthy, begin to identity who deviates from it
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What does ideal mental health look like? Jahoda (1958)
Good Mental health if we meet following criteria
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Criteria of good mental health
No symptoms, Rational, self-actualise, cope with street, realistic view of world, good self-esteem, independent of others, successfully work, love and enjoy leisure. Over lap with ideal mental health + failure to function
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Evaluation: Comprehensive definition
Covers broad range of criteria for mental health, good tool for measuring mental health
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Cultural Relativism
Some features at culture bound to Western Europe + North America. E.g emphasis on personal achievement. Seen as self- indulgent in most of work, meant to focus on community not individual
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Sets an unrealistically high standard for mental health
Few people can attaint all criteria for mental health, Cant achieve all at same time.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Any usual behaviour is thought as as 'normal' any behaviour thats different is 'abnormal'

Back

Statistical Deviation

Card 3

Front

IQ + Intellectual disability disorder: Majority of peoples scores cluster around average further up or down average fewer number of people will attain that score- Normal distribution. Average IQ 100 68% people score between 85-115. 2% score below 70

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

2% below 70 receive diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder, mental retardation

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Diagnosis of IDD. All assessments of patients with mental disorder include a measurement of how severe symptoms are compared to statistical norms. used in clinical assessment

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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