Defining Psychological Problems

OCR

GCSE

This study area requires a critical examination of the four primary definitions of abnormality: Statistical Infrequency, Deviation from Social Norms, Failure to Function Adequately, and Deviation from Ideal Mental Health. Candidates must assess the validity and reliability of these constructs, specifically analyzing the implications of cultural relativism, temporal validity, and the potential for social control. Mastery involves evaluating how these definitions inform diagnostic practice within the DSM-5 and ICD-11 frameworks.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

The World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
Schizophrenia incidence rate: Approximately 1% of the population.
Positive symptoms of Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions.
Negative symptoms of Schizophrenia: Avolition and Speech Poverty.
The impact of mental health problems on the UK economy (cost of social care and lost output).

Example Examiner Feedback

Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

"You have identified the symptom correctly, but you must label it using the correct clinical term (e.g., 'delusion' instead of 'false belief')."
"Your evaluation of the social norms definition is valid; expand this by giving an example of a behavior considered normal in one culture but abnormal in another."
"Connect the impact on the individual directly to the impact on society—how does the individual's inability to work affect the wider economy?"
"Ensure you distinguish between 'incidence' (new cases) and 'prevalence' (existing cases) when discussing statistics."

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award marks for explicit distinction between 'deviation from social norms' and 'dysfunction' when defining problems.
Credit responses that accurately categorize symptoms of Schizophrenia into positive (hallucinations, delusions) and negative (avolition, speech poverty).
Candidates must link the concept of 'cultural relativity' to the validity of defining psychological problems.
Extended writing must demonstrate a logical chain of reasoning when evaluating the impact of mental health problems on the economy (e.g., The MacColl Report).

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡When using the 'deviation from social norms' definition, always specify *which* culture or time period is being referenced.
💡For 13-mark 'Discuss' questions, ensure you have a balanced argument: present the theory/definition, then critique it with evidence or alternative viewpoints.
💡Memorize the specific International Classification of Diseases (ICD) criteria mentioned in the spec for Schizophrenia and Depression.
💡In scenario questions, explicitly quote details from the text to support your diagnosis (e.g., 'The text states Kai hears voices, which is a hallucination').

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing 'mental health' (a state of well-being) with 'mental health problems' (conditions affecting function).
Describing Schizophrenia as a 'split personality' rather than a psychotic disorder involving a break from reality.
Failing to contextualize 'social norms'—ignoring that norms vary significantly by culture and time period.
Listing symptoms of Depression without distinguishing between clinical characteristics and normal sadness.

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Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Identify

Define

Describe

Explain

Calculate

Discuss

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