Paper 1 - Psychopathology
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Statistical Infrequency
Where abnormality is defined as those behaviours that are extremely rare, i.e. found in very few people.
EVALUATIONS
Subjective Cut-Off Point
If abnormality is defined in terms of statistical infrequency, we need to decide where to separate
normality from abnormality. For example, difficulty sleeping is a symptom of depression, but some
people may think abnormal sleep is less than 7 hours a night, whereas others may class it as less than 5
Abnormal ≠ Always Undesirable
For example, having a very high IQ is very unusual, yet this characteristic could be hugely celebrated.
Conversely, depression is known to be experienced by many people at some point in their lives and as
such is considered common, but not desirable.
● So, more classification is needed into abnormal and undesirable behaviours
Deviation From Social Norms
Where an individual behaves outside the unstated rules about how they ‘ought’ to behave - these norms
can often be in place for a reason, e.g. politeness, which is fundamental for interpersonal relations.
EVALUATIONS
Cultural Relativism + Hindsight Bias
Social norms differ between cultures and what is considered normal in one culture may be abnormal in
another. For example, in approximately 75 countries in the world homosexuality is still illegal, and
therefore considered abnormal. However, in the rest of the world homosexuality is considered normal.
● The result of this is that there is no global standard for defining behaviour as abnormal and
therefore abnormality is not standardised.
+ Hindsight bias, as social norms change over time - homosexuality was regarded as a mental
illness & abnormal in the UK until 1973, but now is considered normal.
Distinguishes Between Desirable & Undesirable Behaviours + Involves Effects On Others
The statistical infrequency model does not distinguish between the two.
Furthermore, it takes into account the effect that behaviour has on others, as according to the definition
of DFSN, abnormal behaviour can be damaging to others.
Therefore, this definition offers a practical and useful way of identifying undesirable behaviour, which
may alert others to secure help for the person concerned.
, Failure To Function Adequately
A person is considered abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life and live
independently in society. Furthermore, to be classified as abnormal, a person’s behaviour should cause
personal suffering and distress because of their failure to cope. However, they may also cause distress
or discomfort to other people who observe their behaviour.
EVALUATIONS
Individual Differences
For example, one person with OCD may exhibit excessive rituals that prevent them from functioning
adequately, as they constantly miss work; whereas, another person may suffer from the same excessive
rituals, but find time to complete their rituals and always attend work on time.
● Therefore, despite the same psychological and behavioural symptoms, each person would be
diagnosed differently, thus questioning the validity of this definition.
Takes Subjective Personal Experiences Into Account
This definition considers the thoughts and feelings of the person experiencing the issue and does not
simply make a judgement without taking the personal viewpoint of the sufferer into consideration. This
suggests that the failure to function definition is a useful model for assessing psychopathological
behaviour.
Deviation From Ideal Mental Health (Jahoda, 1958)
Suggests that abnormal behaviour should be defined by the absence of particular characteristics. This is
similar to the approach taken by the medical profession for measures of physical health e.g. normal
temperature. She proposed 6 principles of IMH:
1. High self-esteem with a strong sense of identity
2. Being capable of personal growth & self-actualisation
3. Being independent and self-regulating
4. Having an accurate view of reality
5. Being able to integrate & resist stress
6. Being able to master your environment e.g. love & work
EVALUATIONS
Unrealistic Criteria
There are times when everyone will experience stress and negativity. However, according to this
definition, these people would be classified as abnormal, irrespective of the circumstances which are
outside their control. With the high standards set by these criteria, how many need to be absent for
diagnosis to occur must also be questioned.
Cultural Relativism BUT Positive & Holistic Stance
Some of the criteria for ideal mental health could be considered Western in origin. For example, her
emphasis on independence is unsuitable within collectivist cultures that favour community.
+ However, the definition focuses on positive & desirable behaviours, rather than considering just
negative and undesirable behaviours. Also takes the whole person into consideration = holistic.
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Statistical Infrequency
Where abnormality is defined as those behaviours that are extremely rare, i.e. found in very few people.
EVALUATIONS
Subjective Cut-Off Point
If abnormality is defined in terms of statistical infrequency, we need to decide where to separate
normality from abnormality. For example, difficulty sleeping is a symptom of depression, but some
people may think abnormal sleep is less than 7 hours a night, whereas others may class it as less than 5
Abnormal ≠ Always Undesirable
For example, having a very high IQ is very unusual, yet this characteristic could be hugely celebrated.
Conversely, depression is known to be experienced by many people at some point in their lives and as
such is considered common, but not desirable.
● So, more classification is needed into abnormal and undesirable behaviours
Deviation From Social Norms
Where an individual behaves outside the unstated rules about how they ‘ought’ to behave - these norms
can often be in place for a reason, e.g. politeness, which is fundamental for interpersonal relations.
EVALUATIONS
Cultural Relativism + Hindsight Bias
Social norms differ between cultures and what is considered normal in one culture may be abnormal in
another. For example, in approximately 75 countries in the world homosexuality is still illegal, and
therefore considered abnormal. However, in the rest of the world homosexuality is considered normal.
● The result of this is that there is no global standard for defining behaviour as abnormal and
therefore abnormality is not standardised.
+ Hindsight bias, as social norms change over time - homosexuality was regarded as a mental
illness & abnormal in the UK until 1973, but now is considered normal.
Distinguishes Between Desirable & Undesirable Behaviours + Involves Effects On Others
The statistical infrequency model does not distinguish between the two.
Furthermore, it takes into account the effect that behaviour has on others, as according to the definition
of DFSN, abnormal behaviour can be damaging to others.
Therefore, this definition offers a practical and useful way of identifying undesirable behaviour, which
may alert others to secure help for the person concerned.
, Failure To Function Adequately
A person is considered abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life and live
independently in society. Furthermore, to be classified as abnormal, a person’s behaviour should cause
personal suffering and distress because of their failure to cope. However, they may also cause distress
or discomfort to other people who observe their behaviour.
EVALUATIONS
Individual Differences
For example, one person with OCD may exhibit excessive rituals that prevent them from functioning
adequately, as they constantly miss work; whereas, another person may suffer from the same excessive
rituals, but find time to complete their rituals and always attend work on time.
● Therefore, despite the same psychological and behavioural symptoms, each person would be
diagnosed differently, thus questioning the validity of this definition.
Takes Subjective Personal Experiences Into Account
This definition considers the thoughts and feelings of the person experiencing the issue and does not
simply make a judgement without taking the personal viewpoint of the sufferer into consideration. This
suggests that the failure to function definition is a useful model for assessing psychopathological
behaviour.
Deviation From Ideal Mental Health (Jahoda, 1958)
Suggests that abnormal behaviour should be defined by the absence of particular characteristics. This is
similar to the approach taken by the medical profession for measures of physical health e.g. normal
temperature. She proposed 6 principles of IMH:
1. High self-esteem with a strong sense of identity
2. Being capable of personal growth & self-actualisation
3. Being independent and self-regulating
4. Having an accurate view of reality
5. Being able to integrate & resist stress
6. Being able to master your environment e.g. love & work
EVALUATIONS
Unrealistic Criteria
There are times when everyone will experience stress and negativity. However, according to this
definition, these people would be classified as abnormal, irrespective of the circumstances which are
outside their control. With the high standards set by these criteria, how many need to be absent for
diagnosis to occur must also be questioned.
Cultural Relativism BUT Positive & Holistic Stance
Some of the criteria for ideal mental health could be considered Western in origin. For example, her
emphasis on independence is unsuitable within collectivist cultures that favour community.
+ However, the definition focuses on positive & desirable behaviours, rather than considering just
negative and undesirable behaviours. Also takes the whole person into consideration = holistic.
