Psychopathology (AQA A-Level Psychology)

A-Level Psychology: Psychopathology. Topic Overview

Definitions of Abnormality

Understanding how psychologists define abnormal behaviour using the following four definitions:

Statistical Infrequency
Behaviour that is numerically rare compared to the population (e.g., very high or low IQ).
Deviation from Social Norms
Behaviour that violates accepted social rules or expectations.
Failure to Function Adequately
When a person is unable to cope with the demands of everyday life.
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
Based on Jahoda’s criteria for psychological well-being (e.g., self-actualisation, autonomy).
2. The Behavioural, Emotional and Cognitive Characteristics

Phobias
Behavioural: Panic, avoidance
Emotional: Anxiety, fear
Cognitive: Irrational beliefs

Depression
Behavioural: Disruption to sleep/eating, self-harm
Emotional: Low mood, anger, low self-esteem
Cognitive: Negative thoughts, poor concentration

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Behavioural: Compulsions, avoidance
Emotional: Anxiety, distress
Cognitive: Obsessions (intrusive thoughts), insight
3. Explanations and Treatments

Phobias
Explanation:

Behavioural Approach – Classical and operant conditioning (e.g., two-process model – Mowrer)
Treatment:

Systematic Desensitisation (SD)
Flooding
Depression
Explanation:

Cognitive Approach
Beck’s Negative Triad
Ellis’ ABC Model
Treatment:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Beck’s Cognitive Therapy
Ellis’ Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)

OCD
Explanation:

Biological Approach
Genetic explanations (e.g., candidate genes, polygenic)
Neural explanations (e.g., serotonin, brain structures)
Treatment:

Biological therapies – Drug treatments: SSRIs, alternatives like tricyclics and SNRIs