Summary of A-Level Psychology (AQA): Defining Abnormality

Summary of "A-Level Psychology (AQA): Defining Abnormality"

This video provides an overview and evaluation of the four main definitions of abnormality as outlined in the AQA A-Level Psychology specification. The focus is on explaining each definition, illustrating it with examples, and discussing its strengths and limitations, particularly in terms of clinical application and cultural considerations.

Main Ideas and Concepts

Introduction to Psychopathology and Abnormality
- Psychopathology is the study of psychological disorders.
- Defining abnormality is essential to determine when behavior or psychological states justify diagnosis and treatment.
- Four key definitions of abnormality provide different perspectives, none of which are perfect or universally applicable.

Definitions of Abnormality

1. Statistical Infrequency

Concept: Abnormality is defined by how rare or infrequent a behavior or characteristic is within a population.
Example: Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population, making it statistically infrequent. IQ scores below 70 or above 130 are also statistically rare.
Evaluation:
- Strengths:
  - Useful in clinical assessment and diagnosis (e.g., depression scores on BDI, intellectual disability diagnosis).
  - Uses objective, quantifiable data, enhancing reliability and consistency.
- Limitations:
  - Does not distinguish between positive and negative rare traits (e.g., high IQ or creativity is rare but not abnormal).
  - Should not be used alone to define abnormality.

2. Deviation from Social Norms

Concept: Behavior is abnormal if it significantly violates societal and cultural expectations or unwritten rules.
Example: Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) involves persistent disregard for others' rights and societal rules, violating social norms.
Evaluation:
- Strengths:
  - Practical use in diagnosis by identifying behaviors that violate social norms.
  - Helps professionals recognize disorders like ASPD or schizotypal personality disorder.
- Limitations:
  - Social norms vary by culture and time, leading to cultural bias and potential misdiagnosis.
  - Not universally applicable across all cultures and contexts.

3. Failure to Function Adequately

Concept: Abnormality is when an individual cannot cope with everyday life demands, such as maintaining work, relationships, or self-care.
Indicators: Inability to conform to interpersonal rules, personal distress, irrationality, danger to self or others.
Example: Severe depression causing inability to get out of bed or maintain hygiene.
Evaluation:
- Strengths:
  - Provides a practical threshold to identify when help is needed.
  - Prioritizes individuals who require intervention.
- Limitations:
  - Does not consider context (e.g., distress after bereavement may be normal).
  - Severity, duration, and context must be considered to avoid mislabeling.

4. Deviation from Ideal Mental Health (Marie Jahoda, 1958)

Concept: Defines abnormality by comparing an individual's psychological state to a set of ideal mental health criteria.
Jahoda’s Eight Criteria: Includes self-actualization, autonomy, accurate perception of reality, environmental mastery, positive attitudes, personal growth, resistance to stress, and integration.
Example: Chronic anxiety affecting stress management and autonomy indicates deviation from ideal mental health.
Evaluation:
- Strengths:
  - Provides a comprehensive, structured framework for assessment.
  - Helps identify specific areas needing intervention, allowing targeted treatment.
- Limitations:
  - Culture bias toward Western ideals (e.g., individualism, autonomy).
  - May inappropriately diagnose individuals from collectivist or non-Western cultures.

General Conclusion

All four definitions have practical utility in diagnosis, which is their main strength.
Their limitations often stem from cultural variability, context sensitivity, or the inability to distinguish between positive and negative traits.
Understanding these definitions and their evaluations is crucial for A-Level exam preparation.

Methodology / Instructions for Students

Learn a brief description and example for each definition.
Understand two evaluation points (one strength, one limitation) per definition.
Practice writing PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) paragraphs for evaluation.
Use video chapters and linked model answers for targeted revision.
Seek feedback from teachers or peers to improve essay writing skills.
Review cultural considerations and context importance when applying definitions.

Speakers / Sources Featured

The video features a single presenter (unnamed) who teaches the content.
References to:
- Marie Jahoda (for deviation from ideal mental health).
- Rosenhan and Seligman (for failure to function adequately criteria).
- AQA specification (as the curriculum framework).
Clinical examples mentioned include:

Notable Quotes

— 04:28 — « A weakness of statistical infrequency is that it does not distinguish between desirable and undesirable rare traits; some unusual traits can be positive, like exceptionally high IQ or creativity, which suggests this definition doesn't consider the value and context of rare traits. »

— 09:15 — « A significant limitation of deviation from social norms is its lack of universality because what is considered abnormal can vary greatly across different cultures, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and misunderstanding if cultural context is not taken into account. »

— 13:06 — « Not being able to cope with everyday life can be normal in certain circumstances, such as after a significant negative life event, which this definition doesn't account for, highlighting the importance of considering context before labeling someone as abnormal. »

— 17:14 — « A limitation of deviation from ideal mental health is culture bias, as it is based on Western ideals like autonomy and individualism, which may not apply universally and could lead to inappropriate diagnoses in non-Western cultures. »

— 18:46 — « The strength in all definitions of abnormality is that they are useful in diagnosis, though the reasons vary; their limitations differ, but overall, they provide practical tools for identifying abnormal behavior. »