Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following scenarios BEST exemplifies the 'failure to function adequately' definition of abnormality?
Which of the following scenarios BEST exemplifies the 'failure to function adequately' definition of abnormality?
- A person who holds unconventional beliefs that are not widely accepted in their community.
- A person who consistently arrives late to work due to poor time management.
- A person who occasionally forgets to pay bills on time due to being busy with other commitments.
- A person who experiences significant distress and struggles to maintain personal hygiene, leading to social isolation and job loss. (correct)
A researcher is studying the prevalence of a rare psychological disorder that affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people. Which definition of abnormality would be MOST applicable in this context?
A researcher is studying the prevalence of a rare psychological disorder that affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people. Which definition of abnormality would be MOST applicable in this context?
- Failure to function adequately.
- Statistical infrequency. (correct)
- Deviation from ideal mental health.
- Deviation from social norms.
A therapist is evaluating a client using the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. If the client receives a score of 90, what does this indicate about their level of functioning?
A therapist is evaluating a client using the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. If the client receives a score of 90, what does this indicate about their level of functioning?
- The client has significant symptoms that greatly impact their daily life.
- The client has mild symptoms that cause some distress but generally functions well.
- The client has superior functioning with no symptoms of psychological distress. (correct)
- The client is severely impaired and requires immediate intervention.
Which of the following situations BEST illustrates the limitation of the 'deviation from social norms' definition of abnormality?
Which of the following situations BEST illustrates the limitation of the 'deviation from social norms' definition of abnormality?
A psychologist argues that defining abnormality based solely on 'deviation from ideal mental health' is unrealistic. What is the MOST likely reason for this criticism?
A psychologist argues that defining abnormality based solely on 'deviation from ideal mental health' is unrealistic. What is the MOST likely reason for this criticism?
How does cultural context MOST significantly influence the definition of abnormality based on 'deviation from social norms'?
How does cultural context MOST significantly influence the definition of abnormality based on 'deviation from social norms'?
A person who is struggling to maintain personal hygiene due to experiencing the effects of a mental disorder would be MOST appropriately assessed using which definition of abnormality?
A person who is struggling to maintain personal hygiene due to experiencing the effects of a mental disorder would be MOST appropriately assessed using which definition of abnormality?
A psychiatrist is evaluating a patient who displays behaviours considered statistically infrequent but does not experience distress or impairment. According to the statistical infrequency definition, should the patient be diagnosed with a mental disorder?
A psychiatrist is evaluating a patient who displays behaviours considered statistically infrequent but does not experience distress or impairment. According to the statistical infrequency definition, should the patient be diagnosed with a mental disorder?
A psychologist is using Rosenhan and Seligman's (1989) features of dysfunction to assess a client. The client reports experiencing significant personal distress and engaging in behaviors that are dangerous to themselves and others. Which other feature(s) from Rosenhan and Seligman's list would MOST likely also be present?
A psychologist is using Rosenhan and Seligman's (1989) features of dysfunction to assess a client. The client reports experiencing significant personal distress and engaging in behaviors that are dangerous to themselves and others. Which other feature(s) from Rosenhan and Seligman's list would MOST likely also be present?
A person scores low on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. Statistically, which definition of abnormality aligns MOST effectively with the practical implications of this low score?
A person scores low on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. Statistically, which definition of abnormality aligns MOST effectively with the practical implications of this low score?
Flashcards
Psychopathology
Psychopathology
The study of mental disorders and conditions considered psychologically abnormal.
Deviation from social norms
Deviation from social norms
Behaviours that violate the implicit or explicit rules and expectations of a society or culture.
Failure to function adequately
Failure to function adequately
When a person is unable to manage everyday life or behave in ways considered necessary for 'normal' living.
Social norms
Social norms
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Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)
Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)
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Study Notes
- Psychopathology is the study of mental disorders and psychologically abnormal conditions.
Defining Abnormality
- Defining "abnormal" includes: deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, statistical infrequency, and deviation from ideal mental health.
- The A-level psychology syllabus includes specific mental disorders, approached from different psychological viewpoints for explanation and treatment.
- This is not the only approach
- Alternative approaches can be used to evaluate approaches listed in the syllabus
- Phobias can be treated biologically with drugs.
- OCD can be treated cognitively with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Social Norms
- Social norms are expected rules of behavior that vary between cultures and time periods.
- Abnormality is defined as behavior deviating from social norms, such as touching strangers or walking naked.
- The degree of abnormality depends on the extremity of the deviation and the importance of the norm.
- Not saying "thank you" is a minor deviation, while touching strangers is a more extreme deviation.
Deviation from Social Norms Evaluation
- Weaknesses include cultural and temporal relativism and potential for abuse.
- Social norms vary across cultures and change over time within the same culture.
- Diagnosing abnormality based on social norms is subjective and can lead to discrimination.
- It can result in the violation of human rights, as seen in historical psychiatric abuse in places like Soviet Russia. -Social non-conformity was once considered a mental illness
Failure to Function Adequately
- Failure to function adequately means a person cannot manage everyday life or behave in ways considered normal.
- This prevents successful interpersonal interactions or maintaining employment.
- Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) identified features of dysfunction.
- Observer discomfort, unpredictability, irrationality etc.
- The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale quantifies the impact of a mental disorder on an individual's ability to function adequately, ranging from 0 to 100.
- High scores indicate few symptoms, while low scores indicate significant impairment.
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Description
Explore the study of mental disorders and abnormal conditions with specific psychological viewpoints. This includes deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, statistical infrequency, and deviation from ideal mental health. Also covers treatments like drugs for phobias and cognitive behavioral therapy for OCD.
