PSYCHOPATHOLOGY NOTES
DEFINITIONS OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY- A01
- STATISTICAL DEVIATION- Based on the number of times a behaviour is shown. Usual
behaviours are normal, and any different behaviours are unusual. Statistically different
behaviour can be positive.
- DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS- Society defines behaviour as abnormal if deemed
unacceptable, therefore if a behaviour is different to expectation. Can lead to human right
abuses
- FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATELY- When someone cannot cope with the demands of
everyday life eg: cannot hold down a job or hygiene. Rosenham and Seligman produced 3
signs someone isn't coping: no interpersonal rules, severe distress and irrational or
dangerous behaviours. Purely based off human judgment
- DEVIATION FROM IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH- Jahoda's criteria for ideal mental health includes:
self actualisation, self-esteem, independence and coping with stress. Classification for ideal
mental health is specific to western culture
- DSM5- a book containing descriptions etc to help diagnose mental disorders
DEFINITIONS OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY- A03
LIMITATION:
- Unusual characteristics can be positive
- IQ scores of 130 are unusual but society doesn't consider high intelligence as abnormal or a
mental disorder
- Just because something is unusual doesn’t mean it needs treatment
- Cannot be used as a standalone diagnosis technique
LIMITATION:
- Jahoda's criteria is based on the norms of Western culture- culture bound criteria
- eg: self-actualisation would be considered selfish within collectivist cultures
- Only explains ideal mental health and finds abnormalities within individualistic culture
- Cannot be used in other cultures
LIMITATION:
- Gender bias during diagnosis
- Premenstrual syndrome is now a disorder, feminists believe to socially control women
- Women shouldn't be diagnosed as abnormal for simple experiencing normal biological
processes
- DSM5 is standardised in a male dominant culture and women are being incorrectly
diagnosed
- Definitions of psychopathology are falsely classifying women as abnormal
DEFINITIONS OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY- A01
- STATISTICAL DEVIATION- Based on the number of times a behaviour is shown. Usual
behaviours are normal, and any different behaviours are unusual. Statistically different
behaviour can be positive.
- DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS- Society defines behaviour as abnormal if deemed
unacceptable, therefore if a behaviour is different to expectation. Can lead to human right
abuses
- FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATELY- When someone cannot cope with the demands of
everyday life eg: cannot hold down a job or hygiene. Rosenham and Seligman produced 3
signs someone isn't coping: no interpersonal rules, severe distress and irrational or
dangerous behaviours. Purely based off human judgment
- DEVIATION FROM IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH- Jahoda's criteria for ideal mental health includes:
self actualisation, self-esteem, independence and coping with stress. Classification for ideal
mental health is specific to western culture
- DSM5- a book containing descriptions etc to help diagnose mental disorders
DEFINITIONS OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY- A03
LIMITATION:
- Unusual characteristics can be positive
- IQ scores of 130 are unusual but society doesn't consider high intelligence as abnormal or a
mental disorder
- Just because something is unusual doesn’t mean it needs treatment
- Cannot be used as a standalone diagnosis technique
LIMITATION:
- Jahoda's criteria is based on the norms of Western culture- culture bound criteria
- eg: self-actualisation would be considered selfish within collectivist cultures
- Only explains ideal mental health and finds abnormalities within individualistic culture
- Cannot be used in other cultures
LIMITATION:
- Gender bias during diagnosis
- Premenstrual syndrome is now a disorder, feminists believe to socially control women
- Women shouldn't be diagnosed as abnormal for simple experiencing normal biological
processes
- DSM5 is standardised in a male dominant culture and women are being incorrectly
diagnosed
- Definitions of psychopathology are falsely classifying women as abnormal
