Lecture notes
Definitions of abnormality- Psycology A level
- Module
- Psycology (PSYCOLOGY)
- Institution
- AQA
Information for A level Psycology- sub topic Psycopathology
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Psychopathology - The Study of psychological disordersDefinitions of abnormality:
1. DEVIATIONS FROM SOCIAL NORMS - the unwritten rules for
acceptable social behaviour. Creates clear distinction between
desirable and undesirable behaviour. Indicates when to interneve to
help them. BUT, it doesn’t take into account the differences between
cultures, or the individual E.g. age, health conditions, or when the norm
was creates, or context.
2. FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATELY - can’t cope with everyday
demands e,g social personal and work. Causes distress to others and
self, dysfunctional behaviour. Factors up the individuals experience
rather than society’s standards but who describes what failure to
function adequately means. Some people won’t display abnormal
functions. Abnormality doesn’t always cause dysfunction and
dysfunction doesn’t always mean abnormality.
Features of Rosenhan and seligman:
● Personal distress - being upset or depressed
● Maladaptive behaviour - stops the individual from adapting to new or
difficult situations
● Observer discomfort - causing other people distress and the desire to
avoid
● Unpredictable behaviour - sudden changes in behaviour that not
appropriate
3. STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY- being outside the normal levels of
something. Based on data, quantifiable so is objective. However, it misses
individual differences.
4. DEVIATION FROM IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH - normal behaviour is
‘competent and happy’ -Jahod (1958):
P- positive attitude towards self e.g confident, respect
R- resistance to stress e.g. appropriate coping strategies
A- accurate perception of reality e.g in touch with reality
I - independent e.g autonomous
S- self actualisation e.g focus on personal growth
E- environmental mastery e.g competent in all aspects of life, flexible
to changes.
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