AQA A-Level Psychology Psychopathology Notes - summarised using all the relevant information, with key points and names in bold. Evaluations are clearly marked as + / - which allows for these notes too easily be converted into essay plans.
Learning these notes achieved me an A*.
Definitions of abnormality
-Behaviour and psychological functioning that is considered different from the normal behaviour in a given society.
-It is diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) list of mental disorders.
For each disorder a list of clinical characteristics is given (the symptoms that should be looked for).
-There are 4 definitions to know: deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, deviation from ideal
mental health and statistical infrequency.
Deviation from social norms
-An individual is considered abnormal if their thinking and behaviour does not conform to social norms (unwritten
rules) of what is acceptable in society.
-Example: homosexuality was classified as abnormal and regarded as a mental disorder. It was also against the law
in the UK. This judgement was made by society at the time as the behaviour was considered a social deviation.
+ Real life applications
Deviation from social norms has real-life applications as it can be used to diagnose several mental
disorders. For example it can help to diagnose antisocial personality disorder where individuals fail to
function to conform to lawful or cultural ‘normative ethical behaviour’.
- Possibility of cultural relativism
Social norms vary within cultures and between cultures. The DSM is based on the social norms of the
dominant culture in the West (white, middle-class). For example the older generation may have very
different social norms to the younger generation. Additionally they can vary between cultures such as the
acceptance of eating dogs in one culture whereas they are considered as pets in other cultures. However,
the most recent version of the DSM does make reference to cultural contexts. For example, the section on
panic attacks, it is noted that uncontrollable crying may be a symptom in some cultures but not in others.
Thus this explanation is limited as an explanation as it can create problems for individuals from one culture
living in another.
- Era dependant
Social norms can also vary over time, which raises an issue referred to as hindsight bias. Behaviour that
has been diagnosed previously as deviating from social norms, such as being gay or lesbian, is more
accepted in society today. Some of these categories are argued to be more about control of individuals or
minority groups who are considered to be different and therefore could be argued to actually be abuses of
human rights.
- Incomplete explanation
Some individuals could merely be eccentric, such as dressing differently, but do believe in the norms and
values of society. Therefore other factors should be considered such as do they cause distress to other
individuals which is addressed in the ‘failure to function adequately’ definition of abnormality. Thus it could
be argued that deviation from social norms is a limited explanation of behaviour as it cannot offer a sole
explanation of all behaviours.
Failure to function adequately: Rosenhan & Seligman (1989)
-People who cannot cope with the demands of everyday life (getting up, going to work, getting on with others,
looking after themselves, etc) may be seen as abnormal.
-Example: an individual suffering from depression may find it difficult to get up in the mornings and communicate
with family and friends. Therefore they may be classed as abnormal as their depression is affecting their ability to
cope with the demands of everyday life.
, + Considers subjective experience
It does offer a comprehensive definition. This definition considers the thoughts and feelings of the individual
and their experiences before making a judgement. It covers a good range of mental health issues and is a
useful tool for assessing abnormality rather than just assuming someone may be abnormal because they do
not adhere to social norms. This therefore makes it a useful definition when assessing psychopathological
behaviour.
- Individual differences
Personal distress is not always apparent with abnormality (e.g. psychopaths - Dr Harold Shipman). Also,
personal distress needs to be considered within context, for example an individual who is depressed
because of the death of a spouse would not be considered abnormal. Furthermore people with
psychological disorders experience them in different ways. For example, an individual with OCD may
undertake rituals that prevent them having a job, whereas others may be able to work.
- Cultural relativism
The use of this definition can be limited by its cultural relativism. Definitions of adequate functioning are
related to cultural ideas of how individuals should live their lives. This could therefore result in different
diagnoses when applied to people of different cultures. This could explain why certain cultural groups are
diagnosed with mental disorders as they differ from the dominant culture. Therefore this definition lacks
generalisability as it cannot be applied to all individuals.
- Behaviour may be functional
Some behaviours may be adaptive and functional for some individuals. Some mental disorders, such as
eating disorders or depression, may be functional as they lead to extra attention for an individual.
Transvestitism may be classed as a mental disorder but it performs a positive function for those who believe
that they are living in the wrong body and therefore functional. It could therefore be suggested that the
definition is incomplete as it does not distinguish between functional and dysfunctional behaviours.
Deviation from ideal mental health: Jahoda (1958)
-The focus here is on mental health rather than mental illness.
-This definition suggests that abnormal behavior should be defined by the absence of ‘ideal’ characteristics.
Failure to demonstrate one of the criteria would lead to an individual being classed as abnormal.
-There are 6 criteria for optimal living, failure to demonstrate all 6 criteria may indicate abnormality:
1. Self -actualisation - achieving your full self
2. Positive attitudes towards yourself (ex. self-acceptance)
3. Coping with stress
4. Personal autonomy - ability to make your own decisions and not be controlled by others
5. Accurate perception of reality (ex. schizophrenia)
6. Adapting to the environment - being able to adjust to changes in your life
+ Takes a positive approach to mental health
This definition focuses on positive and desirable behaviour rather than taking the negative stance of other
definitions. Furthermore, it considers the whole person and the multiple factors that can affect health and
well-being. Thus it could be argued that this definition offers a more comprehensive explanation of
abnormality addressing areas that the other definitions appear to ignore
- Proposes an unrealistic criteria which would be difficult to achieve
It sets a high standard and very few people could meet all the criteria and therefore at some point most
individuals could be judged abnormal. For example, someone who is grieving a loved one will experience
stress and negativity. According to this definition, this person would be defined as abnormal, despite
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