Summary
Summary Paper 1 Psychology ( Psychopathology) AQA A - level
- Module
- Psychopathology
- Institution
- AQA
Providing an in depth learning guide to AQA A -level Psychology Paper 1 on the topic of Psychopathology.
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
Content preview
Paper 1 : Topic 4 : Psychopathology4.1 DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Psychologists use different approaches to define what is abnormal:
Statistical Infrequency
Definition: Behavior is considered abnormal if it is statistically rare or uncommon within the
population.
○ Example: An IQ below 70 is statistically rare and may indicate intellectual
disability.
Evaluation:
Strength: Objective and measurable; provides a clear cut-off point.
Limitation: Cannot distinguish between desirable and undesirable behavior. For example, a
high IQ is rare but not considered abnormal.
Limitation: Cultural differences in statistical norms may lead to different interpretations.
Deviation from Social Norms
Definition: Behavior that violates societal norms or expectations is seen as abnormal.
○ Example: Someone talking to themselves in public may be seen as abnormal.
Evaluation:
Strength: Accounts for cultural differences; recognizes that norms are context-dependent.
Limitation: Social norms vary over time and between cultures, making this definition
subjective.
, Limitation: Risk of human rights abuses—behaviors outside social norms have historically
been unfairly labeled as abnormal (e.g., homosexuality in the past).
Failure to Function Adequately
Definition: Abnormal behavior is identified when someone cannot cope with everyday life (e.g.,
maintaining relationships, holding a job).
○ Example: A person with severe depression may fail to get out of bed or go to
work.
Key Features (Rosenhan and Seligman, 1989):
○ Personal distress.
○ Maladaptive behavior.
○ Unpredictability.
Evaluation:
Strength: Considers the individual’s perspective and daily functioning.
Limitation: Subjective judgments (what is "adequate" may vary between observers).
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
Definition: Abnormality is defined as the absence of characteristics needed for good mental
health.
Key Features (Jahoda, 1958):
○ Positive self-attitude.
○ Autonomy.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller aliciaivorra03. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £4.96. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
75282 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy revision notes and other study material for 15 years now