Psychopathology
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Why must psychologist be careful when defining behaviour as abnormal?
A
It implies something undesirable and needing change
5
2
Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Name the four definitions
A
Deviation from social norms, statistical infrequency, failure to function, deviation from ideal
mental health
5
3
Q
DEFINTIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Define a social norm
A
A social norm is a generally accepted way of behaving in certain situations
5
4
Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Give an example of a social norm
,A
Wearing black to a funeral
5
5
Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Name one positive of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality
A
When a person deviates from a social norm it can highlight how something is awry and act
as a warning flag.
5
6
Q
DEFINTIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Give two criticisms of deviating from social norms as a definition of abnormality
A
Cultural relativism; context as social norms can change over time, for example
homosexuality
5
7
Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Define statistical infrequency
A
Rare behaviour can be classed as abnormal
5
8
, Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
What are the two negatives of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality?
A
Cultural relativism; there is an implication that rare behaviour is undesirable, this is not
always the case
5
9
Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Which two psychologists investigated failure to function?
A
Rosenhan and Seligman
5
10
Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Which characteristics did Rosenhan and Seligman put forward for failing to function?
A
• Visible suffering
• Maladaptiveness
• Vividness and unconventionality
• Loss of control
• Irrationality
5
11
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Why must psychologist be careful when defining behaviour as abnormal?
A
It implies something undesirable and needing change
5
2
Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Name the four definitions
A
Deviation from social norms, statistical infrequency, failure to function, deviation from ideal
mental health
5
3
Q
DEFINTIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Define a social norm
A
A social norm is a generally accepted way of behaving in certain situations
5
4
Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Give an example of a social norm
,A
Wearing black to a funeral
5
5
Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Name one positive of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality
A
When a person deviates from a social norm it can highlight how something is awry and act
as a warning flag.
5
6
Q
DEFINTIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Give two criticisms of deviating from social norms as a definition of abnormality
A
Cultural relativism; context as social norms can change over time, for example
homosexuality
5
7
Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Define statistical infrequency
A
Rare behaviour can be classed as abnormal
5
8
, Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
What are the two negatives of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality?
A
Cultural relativism; there is an implication that rare behaviour is undesirable, this is not
always the case
5
9
Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Which two psychologists investigated failure to function?
A
Rosenhan and Seligman
5
10
Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Which characteristics did Rosenhan and Seligman put forward for failing to function?
A
• Visible suffering
• Maladaptiveness
• Vividness and unconventionality
• Loss of control
• Irrationality
5
11
