Abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the study of unusual patterns of behavior, emotion, and thought, which may or may not be understood as precipitating a mental disorder. The International Baccalaureate (IB) syllabus for Higher Level (HL) Psychology includes the topic of abnormal psychology, focusing on the etiology of disorders, prevalence rates, factors influencing diagnosis, and explanations for specific disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and phobias.
Prevalence rates refer to the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disorder at a given time. Understanding prevalence is crucial for identifying the extent of mental health issues within a population and for planning appropriate health services.
Key Studies of Prevalence Rates
- Kessler et al. (2005): Conducted a large-scale epidemiological study in the United States to determine the prevalence of various mental disorders.
- Weissman et al. (1996): Examined the prevalence of depression across different countries, highlighting the impact of cultural and social factors.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
MDD is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness or a lack of interest in external stimuli. It affects how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities.
Phobias
Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations. They can significantly impact an individual's ability to function in daily life.
Normal Behaviour
- Definition: Behavior that conforms to societal and cultural norms.
- Examples: Washing regularly, walking on the pavement, speaking in coherent sentences.
Abnormal Behaviour
- Definition: Behavior that deviates significantly from societal and cultural norms.
- Examples: Not washing regularly, walking down the middle of the road, speaking incoherently.
Note
It is important to note that what is considered 'normal' or 'abnormal' can vary significantly across different cultures and societies.
Criteria for Diagnosing Abnormality
- Statistical Deviation: Behavior that falls outside of agreed statistical parameters (e.g., an IQ of less than 70).
- Failure to Function Adequately: Behavior that does not conform to accepted social standards (e.g., not eating).
- Deviation from Social Norms: Behavior that challenges social norms (e.g., wearing a plant pot on the head).
- Deviation from Ideal Mental Health: Behavior that does not meet criteria for ideal mental health (e.g., inability to handle stress).
Evaluation of Measures
- Strengths: Provides clear points of comparison and is easy to use as an analytical tool.
- Limitations: May lack explanatory power and fail to consider the subjective nature of mental health.
- Jahoda (1958): Identified six characteristics of ideal mental health, including self-confidence, self-reliance, and the ability to handle stress.
- Mojtabai (2011): Investigated bereavement-related depression and argued that it should not be considered 'abnormal' as it is a normal response to loss.
Biological Explanations
- Genetic Factors: Research by McGuffin et al. (1996) suggests a genetic predisposition to MDD.
- Neurotransmitter Imbalances: Caspi et al. (2003) found that variations in the serotonin transporter gene can influence the development of depression.
Cognitive Explanations
- Negative Thought Patterns: Beck et al. (1974) proposed that negative cognitive schemas contribute to depression.
- Cognitive Distortions: Riso et al. (2006) found that maladaptive thought patterns are prevalent in individuals with MDD.
Sociocultural Explanations
- Social Factors: Lewinsohn et al. (1990) highlighted the role of social support and life stressors in the development of depression.
- Cultural Factors: Karasz (2005) examined how cultural beliefs and practices influence the expression and treatment of depression.
Biological Explanations
- Genetic Predisposition: Ohman et al. (1975) found that certain phobias might have a genetic basis.
- Brain Function: Ahs et al. (2018) studied the role of the amygdala in the development of phobias.
Cognitive Explanations
- Maladaptive Thought Patterns: Cognitive theories suggest that phobias are maintained by irrational beliefs and cognitive distortions.
Sociocultural Explanations
- Two-Process Model: Proposes that phobias are acquired through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning.
- Statistical Deviation: Behavior that falls outside statistical norms.
- Failure to Function Adequately: Inability to perform daily functions.
- Deviation from Social Norms: Behavior that violates societal norms.
- Deviation from Ideal Mental Health: Failure to meet criteria for mental well-being.
Tip
When answering exam questions on this topic, remember to consider the subjective nature of 'normality' and 'abnormality' and to avoid bringing personal biases into your responses.
Topic Key Studies Biological Explanations of MDD McGuffin et al. (1996), Caspi et al. (2003) Cognitive Explanations of MDD Beck et al. (1974), Riso et al. (2006) Sociocultural Explanations of MDD Lewinsohn et al. (1990), Karasz (2005) Biological Explanations of Phobias Ohman et al. (1975), Ahs et al. (2018)
Understanding abnormal psychology involves exploring how different factors contribute to mental disorders, how these disorders are diagnosed, and how perceptions of normality and abnormality vary across cultures and time periods. By examining key studies and theories, students can gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in this field.