This document contains the content and evaluations for the topic definitions of abnormality for the psychopathology topic in paper 1 of psychology AQA A level. All content follows the AQA specification.
1. Statistical Infrequency
- Looks at the number of times we observe something, the more we see something
the more likely we are to see it as normal.
- Unusual behaviour occurring occasionally is seen as abnormal.
RLA: Useful part of clinical assessment.
Unusual characteristics can be positive: IQ scores at the higher end of a scale are
considered abnormal. Would never be used alone to make a diagnosis.
Labels are harmful: If someone is happy, labelling wouldn’t help them regardless of how
unusual they are.
2. Deviation from Social Norms
- Societies run on social norms.
- Deviations from social norms are seen as abnormal.
Ethnocentric: Does not consider all cultures. What’s normal in one culture can be abnormal
in another.
Not a sole definition: Can’t be used alone when diagnosing abnormality.
Can lead to abuse of human rights: Used in the past to control women and EM groups.
DSM - V: Used to diagnose psychiatric illnesses. Covers all categories of mental disorders.
3. Failure to Function Adequately
When a person can no longer face the demands of everyday life. Rosenhan & Seligman:
● No longer conforming to standard interpersonal rules.
● Severe personal distress.
● Behaviour becomes dangerous to themselves or others.
Patient’s perspective: The definition acknowledges the patient’s experience and captures
the experience of people who need help - it is useful in assessing abnormality.
Is it a deviation from social norms ?: Maybe they are different, not abnormal.
Subjective judgements: Someone had to make the judgement for their patient.
4. Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
Marie Jahoda’s criteria for ideal mental health:
- No symptoms of distress. Rational and can perceive ourselves accurately.
- Can self-actualise and cope with stress. Has a realistic view of the world.
- Has good self-esteem and lack of guilt. Are independent of other people.
- Can successfully work, love and enjoy leisure time.
A comprehensive definition: Covers a broad range of criteria. Likely covers most of the
criteria someone would seek mental help for.
Cultural relativism: What’s normal in one culture can be abnormal in the next.
Unrealistic standard for mental health: Likely a lot of people wouldn’t fit in all the
categories. Could make people with poor mental health feel worse.
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