Psychopathology and Individual Differences
Individual differences – Psychopathology
Definitions of Abnormality-
1. DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS:
Deviation refers to dominant behaviour – ‘Behaviour which is considered undesirable by the majority’ – For example; Talking to yourself in public
LIMITATIONS:
The definition is susceptible to abuse: Diagnosing someone with a mental illness could just be a way to exclude non conformists from society
For example, homosexuality was considered a ‘mental disorder’ in the USA until 1970s also anyone who disagreed with the state could be regarded as insane in Russia in the 1960s
Doesn’t take into account context and degree – How badly does someone need to deviate from the norm to be considered ‘Abnormal’
For example, someone in a scream mask may be normal on Halloween but not everyday
Has cultural relativism – The definition is dependant on what society you are in
For example, COCHRANE (1977) in UK Afro-Caribbean immigrants were 7 times more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia than a British person
2. FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATELY:
Unable to cope with the demands of everyday life – Unable to perform the behaviours necessary for day-to-day living
ROSENHAN + SELIGMAN (1989) suggest the following characteristics: Maladaptiveness, suffering, vividness and unconventionality, Unpredictability/incomprehensibility, causes observer discomfort, violates moral/social standards. – For example; can’t clean themselves
LIMITATIONS:
Doesn’t always apply correctly due to context or subjective points of view
Has cultural relativism
Subjective judgement that people are making – Judgement could change
Some people/psychopaths have the ability to create a façade and act normally – Hard to identify
3. DEVIATION FROM IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH
Rather than thinking about what makes you abnormal, MARIE JAHODA says we should look at what is ideal, and define abnormal people as those who deviate from this ideal
THE IDEAL IS:
Personal growth – Being able to develop
Definitions of Abnormality-
1. DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS:
Deviation refers to dominant behaviour – ‘Behaviour which is considered undesirable by the majority’ – For example; Talking to yourself in public
LIMITATIONS:
The definition is susceptible to abuse: Diagnosing someone with a mental illness could just be a way to exclude non conformists from society
For example, homosexuality was considered a ‘mental disorder’ in the USA until 1970s also anyone who disagreed with the state could be regarded as insane in Russia in the 1960s
Doesn’t take into account context and degree – How badly does someone need to deviate from the norm to be considered ‘Abnormal’
For example, someone in a scream mask may be normal on Halloween but not everyday
Has cultural relativism – The definition is dependant on what society you are in
For example, COCHRANE (1977) in UK Afro-Caribbean immigrants were 7 times more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia than a British person
2. FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATELY:
Unable to cope with the demands of everyday life – Unable to perform the behaviours necessary for day-to-day living
ROSENHAN + SELIGMAN (1989) suggest the following characteristics: Maladaptiveness, suffering, vividness and unconventionality, Unpredictability/incomprehensibility, causes observer discomfort, violates moral/social standards. – For example; can’t clean themselves
LIMITATIONS:
Doesn’t always apply correctly due to context or subjective points of view
Has cultural relativism
Subjective judgement that people are making – Judgement could change
Some people/psychopaths have the ability to create a façade and act normally – Hard to identify
3. DEVIATION FROM IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH
Rather than thinking about what makes you abnormal, MARIE JAHODA says we should look at what is ideal, and define abnormal people as those who deviate from this ideal
THE IDEAL IS:
Personal growth – Being able to develop