Approaches used to analyse the abnormalities:
Depression - cognitive approach
Phobias - behaviourist approach
OCD - biological approach
Abnormality
What is psychopathology =
● “Psycho” refers to “mind”.
● “Pathology” refers to “disease”.
It is the field of study that deals with mental, emotional and behavioural problems.
It involves research into the classification, diagnosis, causation, prevention and treatment of
psychological disorders.
Deviation from Social Norms (DSN)
In society there are social norms (standards of acceptable behaviour/rules which tell us how to behave).
If a person does not follow these social norms and deviates away they will be consider abnormal.
● All societies have social norms which are standards of acceptable behaviour.
● If a person deviates from social norms it can be used as an indication of abnormality.
For example, somebody with Tourette’s may make inappropriate remarks and swear continuously. This
behaviour can be seen as different to what society expects as swearing is not an acceptable norm and
therefore is seen as abnormal.
● Positive = This definition distinguishes between desirable and undesirable behaviours unlike
statistical infrequency. This means behaviours that are statistically rare but desirable would not
be considered abnormal (high IQ). This results in a more accurate method of diagnosis.
● Negative = Social norms change depending on the culture an individual lives within. Hearing
voices is socially acceptable in some cultures but in the UK this would be a sign of a mental
disorder. The definition does not account for ideas about abnormality changing depending on
culture which could result in misdiagnosis.
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health (DIMH) =
Does not define abnormality, instead it defines a set of criteria that represent ideal mental health.
If an individual does not meet all six criteria to be in good health (ideal mental health) then they would be
seen as abnormal.
Marie Jahoda (1958) identified six characteristics of ideal mental Health:
1. Positive view of self – feeling of self worth and reasonable level of self-esteem.
2. Actualisation – be the best they can.
3. Independent behaviour – do not rely on others.
4. Accurate view of reality – accurate view of the world.
5. Adaptability – change behaviour depending upon the environment.
6. Resistance to stress – able to deal with daily stressors.
Deviation away from these characteristics would indicate abnormality.
For example, anorexia is characterised by severe weight loss which could be due to the anorexic seeing
their body shape as not perfect. This would mean they may not have high self-esteem and accurate view
of reality. As they do not meet all 6 criteria they may be seen as abnormal.
, ● Positive = It provides a more positive way of looking at mental health. As it focuses on the
positives and what is desirable rather than what is undesirable. 11 is also very comprehensive as
it covers a broad range of criteria for mental health. This makes it a good fool when distinguishing
normal from abnormal.
● Negative = The 6 criteria are unrealistic. For example, it is impossible to have high self-esteem all
the time. This means individuals may be seen as abnormal when in fact they are normal affecting
the accuracy.
Failure to Function Adequately (FFA) =
In order to be normal we must be able to cope with everyday life. Such as maintaining basic standards of
hygiene and nutrition, maintaining relationships and holding down a job. If an individual cannot do such
tasks, then they are failing to function and would be seen as abnormal.
For example, an individual with depression may ! experience a loss or increase in appetite, loss of
interest in activities leading to a reduction in socialising. They may also feel lethargic making it hard to
get out of bed. As an individual cannot complete day to day tasks they are failing to function and would
be seen as abnormal.
Look at everyday behaviour of an individual. For example, If a person cannot cope with everyday life
they are failing to function adequately as this may cause distress for the individual/others.
For example, an individual with depression may experience a loss or increase in appetite, loss of interest
in activities leading to a reduction in socialising. They may also feel lethargic making it hard to get out of
bed. As an individual cannot complete day to day tasks they are failing to function and would be seen as
abnormal
● Positive = This definition recognises the subjective experiences of the patient (what causes them
distress). This means we can view mental disorders from the point of view of the person
experiencing it (what is functioning adequately for them). This may result in a more accurate
diagnosis.
● Negative = Abnormality does not always stop the person functioning. The focus on how someone
is coping may mean that some abnormal behaviour is missed. People may appear fine to others
as they fit into society and have jobs and homes, but they may have distorted thinking which is
causing them inner distress that they hide affecting day to day life.
Statistical Infrequency =
● One way to define ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ is to look at the number of times it can be observed in
society.
● A behaviour/characteristic that is seen frequently is seen as normal.
● Any behaviour/characteristic that is seen infrequently (statistically rare) would be defined as
abnormal.
● A normal distribution curve is often associated with this definition which will show the averages of
a particular behaviour/characteristics and those who are above and below the averages will be
seen as abnormal.
For example, the average IQ score is 100. Most people have an IQ score of between 85-115.People that
fall in this range would be seen as normal. If an individual scores below 70 they would be diagnosed with
a learning disability as this is statistically rare.
, One way to define “normal” and “abnormal” is to look at the number of times it can be observed in
society. A behaviour/characteristic that is seen frequently is seen as normal. Any behaviour/characteristic
that is seen infrequently (statistically rare) would be defined as abnormal. A normal distribution curve is
often associated with this definition which will show the averages of a particular behaviour/characteristics
and those who are above and below the averages will be seen as abnormal.
Positive = It is an objective way of distinguishing between normal and abnormal behaviours once a
cut-off point has been agreed. For example, this definition has been very useful in the diagnosis of a
learning disability as it allows us to compare IQ scores to the statistical norm. Statistical deviation is
therefore a useful part of clinical diagnosis.
Negative = Not all statistically rare behaviours are abnormal. For example, some rare behaviours are
desirable such as high intelligence. Therefore, this definition can never be used alone to make a
diagnosis.
Depression - clinical characteristics
Behavioural characteristics =
1) Loss of energy- generally speaking individuals with depression experience a reduction in energy
levels which can lead to fatigue, feeling lethargic and lack of energy. This can result in withdrawal
from work, education and social activities. Sometimes in rare cases an individual may experience
an increase in energy.
2) Disturbance to sleeping patterns - depression is characterised by either insomnia or
oversleeping.
3) Change in appetite- increase and decrease in appetite resulting in weight gain or
Emotional characteristics =
1) Loss of interest- lose interest in the activities that once created pleasure in the individual.
2) Constant depressed mood - Overwhelming feeling of sadness and hopelessness. Often
associated with the feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem.
Cognitive characteristics =
1) Poor concentration - levels of concentration decrease which may make it hard to make decisions
or complete a task as they normally would.
2) Negative thoughts - inclined to pay more attention to the negative aspects of a situation rather
than the positive. More likely to recall unhappy events than positive ones.
Potential exam questions =
1) Outline the behavioural characteristics of depression ( 3 marks)
2) Outline the emotional characteristics of depression (3 marks)
3) Outline the cognitive characteristics of depression (3 marks)
4) Scenario based question--pick out the symptoms. (4 marks)
The cognitive approach to explaining depression
There are a number of cognitive explanations of depression which believe that the disorder is the result
of disturbance in “thinking”.
They focus on an individual’s negative thoughts, irrational beliefs of events as being the cause of
depression.
Depression - cognitive approach
Phobias - behaviourist approach
OCD - biological approach
Abnormality
What is psychopathology =
● “Psycho” refers to “mind”.
● “Pathology” refers to “disease”.
It is the field of study that deals with mental, emotional and behavioural problems.
It involves research into the classification, diagnosis, causation, prevention and treatment of
psychological disorders.
Deviation from Social Norms (DSN)
In society there are social norms (standards of acceptable behaviour/rules which tell us how to behave).
If a person does not follow these social norms and deviates away they will be consider abnormal.
● All societies have social norms which are standards of acceptable behaviour.
● If a person deviates from social norms it can be used as an indication of abnormality.
For example, somebody with Tourette’s may make inappropriate remarks and swear continuously. This
behaviour can be seen as different to what society expects as swearing is not an acceptable norm and
therefore is seen as abnormal.
● Positive = This definition distinguishes between desirable and undesirable behaviours unlike
statistical infrequency. This means behaviours that are statistically rare but desirable would not
be considered abnormal (high IQ). This results in a more accurate method of diagnosis.
● Negative = Social norms change depending on the culture an individual lives within. Hearing
voices is socially acceptable in some cultures but in the UK this would be a sign of a mental
disorder. The definition does not account for ideas about abnormality changing depending on
culture which could result in misdiagnosis.
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health (DIMH) =
Does not define abnormality, instead it defines a set of criteria that represent ideal mental health.
If an individual does not meet all six criteria to be in good health (ideal mental health) then they would be
seen as abnormal.
Marie Jahoda (1958) identified six characteristics of ideal mental Health:
1. Positive view of self – feeling of self worth and reasonable level of self-esteem.
2. Actualisation – be the best they can.
3. Independent behaviour – do not rely on others.
4. Accurate view of reality – accurate view of the world.
5. Adaptability – change behaviour depending upon the environment.
6. Resistance to stress – able to deal with daily stressors.
Deviation away from these characteristics would indicate abnormality.
For example, anorexia is characterised by severe weight loss which could be due to the anorexic seeing
their body shape as not perfect. This would mean they may not have high self-esteem and accurate view
of reality. As they do not meet all 6 criteria they may be seen as abnormal.
, ● Positive = It provides a more positive way of looking at mental health. As it focuses on the
positives and what is desirable rather than what is undesirable. 11 is also very comprehensive as
it covers a broad range of criteria for mental health. This makes it a good fool when distinguishing
normal from abnormal.
● Negative = The 6 criteria are unrealistic. For example, it is impossible to have high self-esteem all
the time. This means individuals may be seen as abnormal when in fact they are normal affecting
the accuracy.
Failure to Function Adequately (FFA) =
In order to be normal we must be able to cope with everyday life. Such as maintaining basic standards of
hygiene and nutrition, maintaining relationships and holding down a job. If an individual cannot do such
tasks, then they are failing to function and would be seen as abnormal.
For example, an individual with depression may ! experience a loss or increase in appetite, loss of
interest in activities leading to a reduction in socialising. They may also feel lethargic making it hard to
get out of bed. As an individual cannot complete day to day tasks they are failing to function and would
be seen as abnormal.
Look at everyday behaviour of an individual. For example, If a person cannot cope with everyday life
they are failing to function adequately as this may cause distress for the individual/others.
For example, an individual with depression may experience a loss or increase in appetite, loss of interest
in activities leading to a reduction in socialising. They may also feel lethargic making it hard to get out of
bed. As an individual cannot complete day to day tasks they are failing to function and would be seen as
abnormal
● Positive = This definition recognises the subjective experiences of the patient (what causes them
distress). This means we can view mental disorders from the point of view of the person
experiencing it (what is functioning adequately for them). This may result in a more accurate
diagnosis.
● Negative = Abnormality does not always stop the person functioning. The focus on how someone
is coping may mean that some abnormal behaviour is missed. People may appear fine to others
as they fit into society and have jobs and homes, but they may have distorted thinking which is
causing them inner distress that they hide affecting day to day life.
Statistical Infrequency =
● One way to define ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ is to look at the number of times it can be observed in
society.
● A behaviour/characteristic that is seen frequently is seen as normal.
● Any behaviour/characteristic that is seen infrequently (statistically rare) would be defined as
abnormal.
● A normal distribution curve is often associated with this definition which will show the averages of
a particular behaviour/characteristics and those who are above and below the averages will be
seen as abnormal.
For example, the average IQ score is 100. Most people have an IQ score of between 85-115.People that
fall in this range would be seen as normal. If an individual scores below 70 they would be diagnosed with
a learning disability as this is statistically rare.
, One way to define “normal” and “abnormal” is to look at the number of times it can be observed in
society. A behaviour/characteristic that is seen frequently is seen as normal. Any behaviour/characteristic
that is seen infrequently (statistically rare) would be defined as abnormal. A normal distribution curve is
often associated with this definition which will show the averages of a particular behaviour/characteristics
and those who are above and below the averages will be seen as abnormal.
Positive = It is an objective way of distinguishing between normal and abnormal behaviours once a
cut-off point has been agreed. For example, this definition has been very useful in the diagnosis of a
learning disability as it allows us to compare IQ scores to the statistical norm. Statistical deviation is
therefore a useful part of clinical diagnosis.
Negative = Not all statistically rare behaviours are abnormal. For example, some rare behaviours are
desirable such as high intelligence. Therefore, this definition can never be used alone to make a
diagnosis.
Depression - clinical characteristics
Behavioural characteristics =
1) Loss of energy- generally speaking individuals with depression experience a reduction in energy
levels which can lead to fatigue, feeling lethargic and lack of energy. This can result in withdrawal
from work, education and social activities. Sometimes in rare cases an individual may experience
an increase in energy.
2) Disturbance to sleeping patterns - depression is characterised by either insomnia or
oversleeping.
3) Change in appetite- increase and decrease in appetite resulting in weight gain or
Emotional characteristics =
1) Loss of interest- lose interest in the activities that once created pleasure in the individual.
2) Constant depressed mood - Overwhelming feeling of sadness and hopelessness. Often
associated with the feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem.
Cognitive characteristics =
1) Poor concentration - levels of concentration decrease which may make it hard to make decisions
or complete a task as they normally would.
2) Negative thoughts - inclined to pay more attention to the negative aspects of a situation rather
than the positive. More likely to recall unhappy events than positive ones.
Potential exam questions =
1) Outline the behavioural characteristics of depression ( 3 marks)
2) Outline the emotional characteristics of depression (3 marks)
3) Outline the cognitive characteristics of depression (3 marks)
4) Scenario based question--pick out the symptoms. (4 marks)
The cognitive approach to explaining depression
There are a number of cognitive explanations of depression which believe that the disorder is the result
of disturbance in “thinking”.
They focus on an individual’s negative thoughts, irrational beliefs of events as being the cause of
depression.
