AQA Psychology- Psychopathology Exam Questions and Answers

AQA Psychology- Psychopathology Exam Questions and Answers What are the definitions of abnormality? -Answer--Statistical Infrequency -Deviation of social norms -Failure to Function adequately -Deviation from ideal mental health What is statistical infrequency? -Answer-Describes behaviour as normal or not based on the number of times we observe it. If the persons scores cluster around the average then they are considered 'normal' for that category. On either side of the average people are attain the normal distribution therefore counting as abnormal. . What are the positives for statistical infrequency? -Answer-Objective- A cut off point is agreed No value judgements- doesn't view homosexuals as abnormal because they are wrong just because they are infrequent to heterosexuals. Appropriate- In many cases it can define abnormality. What are the negative points for statistical infrequency? -Answer-Inappropriate- 130+ IQ would be considered abnormal but people with high-intelligence don't need treatment Labelling those who are living happily as abnormal if they satisfy the criteria for statistical infrequency Cultural factors are not considered- something that may be normal in one country may be abnormal in another What are deviation from social norms? -Answer-When a persons behaviour is different from what we would expect it to be. Offends the sense of what is acceptable. As a society makes a collective about what is right. Social norms vary by age, gender, culture so universal norms are rare. A person with anti-social disorder (psychopathy) is impulsive, aggressive and irresponsible. DSM-5 says that we make the social judgement that psychopaths are abnormal because they don't conform to moral standards. What are the positive points for deviation from social norms? -Answer-Establishes developmental and situational norms e.g- filling a nappy at age 2 (Normal). Walking around naked at 40 (Abnormal) Protects society from the effects of an individuals abnormal behaviour can have on others What are negative points for deviation from social norms? -Answer-Subjective- social norms are no real and objective. Based on opinions of society. Social norms are used control those seen as a threat to social order Social norms change over time Cultural relativism What is failure to function adequately? -Answer-When a person can no longer cope with the demands of every day life. e.g unable to maintain basic standards of nutrition; can't hold down a job or relationship. What are the positive evaluation points for failure to function adequately? -Answer- Attempts to include the subjective experience of the individual and views it as important- captures the experience of many people who need help. Useful criteria. Checklist- practical checklist allows individual assessment of abnormality level. What are the negative points for failure to function adequately? -Answer-Normal abnormality- sometimes it is normal to suffer personal distress (after death of loved one) Cultural relativism- varies in different cultures. Risk of discrimination and limiting personal freedom- If taken literally, the definition sees people who participate in extreme sports, or have religious/supernatural beliefs. What is deviation from ideal mental health? -Answer-A picture/idea is created of what is psychologically healthy, and then those who do not match these ideals are abnormal. Who created criteria for ideal mental health? -Answer-Jahoda What are Jahoda's criteria for ideal mental health? -Answer-Positive attitude towards oneself- (Self respect and self-concept) Self actualisation- motivated and full of potential (personal growth and development) Autonomy- Independent, self reliant and sufficient. Able to make their own decisions. Resisting Stress- have effective coping strategies and every day anxiety Accurate perception of reality- perceive the world in a non-distorted manner Environmental mastery- competence in all aspects of life; ability to meet demands of any situation. What are the positive points for deviation of ideal mental health? -Answer--Focuses on what is desirable - positive approach to mental health -Checklist/criteria- allows targeting of which areas to work on when treating abnormality -Holistic- considers an individual as a whole person rather than focusing on individual areas of their behaviour. What are the negative points for deviation of ideal mental health? -Answer--Cultural relativism- differs from culture to culture -Sets high standards for mental health- even the majority of people will not meet all of the criteria. -Subjective- criteria is vague and difficult to measure objectively (relies on self-report_