Psychopathology - Defining Abnormality

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  • Created by: gemmmmma
  • Created on: 15-03-18 16:05
What is the DSM?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides a standard criteria for the classification and diagnosis of mental disorders.
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Outline the Statistical Infrequency definition of abnormality.
Defining abnormality as behaviours that are statistically rare.
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List the positive points of the Statistical Infrequency definition of abnormality.
It is easy to quantify abnormalities; It is scientific; It is comparable.
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List the negative points of the Statistical Infrequency definition of abnormality.
Classifies all extreme behaviour as 'abnormal' (in a negative way); the cut off point is abitrary; it doesn't consider changes in culture.
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Outline the Deviation from Social Norms definition of abnormality.
Defining behaviour that deviates from social norms as abnormal.
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What are the advantages to the Deviation from Social Norms definition?
It destinguishes between desirable and undesirable behaviour; it helps us understand how abnormality is affected by society.
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What are the disadvantages to the Deviation from Social Norms definition?
It varies with cultures; the subjective nature allows it be abused, such as defining homosexuality as a disorder and prosecuting people for it.
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Outline the Failure to Function Adequately definition.
Defining abnormality as the failure to function in day-to-day life.
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What were some of Seligman and Rosenhan's characteristics? (Name at least 4)
Suffering; maladaptiveness; unconventional behaviour; loss of control; irrationality; observer discomfort; violates moral standards.
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What are the advantages to the Failure to Function Adequately definition?
It recognises individual differences in abnormality; it is an effective checklist.
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What are the disadvantages to the Failure to Function Adequately definition?
It is culturally relative; some maladaptive behaviour may be a beneficial coping mechanism.
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Outline the Deviation from Ideal Mental Health definition.
Defining abnormality by comparing to 'ideal' mental health.
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What were Marie Jahoda's criteria for optimal living?
Positive self attitudes; Self actualisation; Autonomy; Accurate perception of reality; Integration; Mastery of the environment.
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What is good about Marie Jahoda's definition/criteria?
It is a very positive approach to defining abnormality.
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What is bad about Marie Jahoda's definition/criteria?
It is an unrealistic expectation of mental health; it is hard to measure mental processes; it is culturally relative.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Outline the Statistical Infrequency definition of abnormality.

Back

Defining abnormality as behaviours that are statistically rare.

Card 3

Front

List the positive points of the Statistical Infrequency definition of abnormality.

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

List the negative points of the Statistical Infrequency definition of abnormality.

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Outline the Deviation from Social Norms definition of abnormality.

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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