4. PSYCHOPATHOLOGY (DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY (INCLUDING DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS, FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATELY, STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY AND DEVIATION FROM IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH) ( Flashcards
What is the definition of deviation from social norms in terms of abnormality?
Deviation from social norms refers to behaviours or attitudes that break the implicit or explicit rules and standards in society. These norms vary across cultures and time periods. Behaviours that violate these norms can be seen as deviant or abnormal.
What is a strength of the deviation from social norms definition of abnormality?
A strength is that it is easy to use. Clinicians can identify when someone is breaking a social norm (written or unwritten), helping to diagnose mental abnormalities and providing the opportunity for treatment.
What is a limitation of using deviation from social norms to define abnormality?
A limitation is that social norms change over time and differ across cultures. For example, homosexuality was once considered abnormal but is no longer regarded as such. This creates inconsistencies in diagnoses and can lead to inaccurate labelling.
What is the definition of statistical infrequency in terms of abnormality?
Statistical infrequency defines abnormality based on how rare or unusual a behaviour is. If a behaviour or trait falls far from the average (e.g., very high or low IQ), it is considered abnormal.
What is a strength of using statistical infrequency to define abnormality?
A strength is that it provides an objective way of measuring abnormality, such as using statistical data like IQ scores to identify individuals who may be abnormal due to their low or high scores.
What is a limitation of using statistical infrequency to define abnormality?
A limitation is that rare traits can sometimes be positive. For example, high IQ scores are statistically infrequent but not considered abnormal. This shows that rarity doesn’t necessarily indicate a need for treatment
What is the definition of deviation from ideal mental health?
Deviation from ideal mental health defines abnormality by comparing an individual’s mental state to a set of ideal criteria, such as self-esteem, personal growth, rational thinking, and the ability to cope with stress. Deviations from these standards suggest a potential mental disorder.
What is a strength of the deviation from ideal mental health definition?
A strength is its practical application in treatment. Clinicians can identify which aspects of ideal mental health a person lacks, enabling targeted interventions for more effective treatment.
What is a limitation of the deviation from ideal mental health definition?
A limitation is that it is culturally biased. Some of the criteria, like self-actualization and independence, reflect values of individualistic cultures and may not apply universally across different societies, leading to inaccurate diagnoses.
What is the definition of failure to function adequately in terms of abnormality?
Failure to function adequately defines abnormality based on an individual’s inability to cope with everyday tasks, such as maintaining a job, personal hygiene, and social interactions. Distress to oneself or others is also considered.
What is a strength of using failure to function adequately to define abnormality?
A strength is that the ‘Global Assessment of Functioning Scale’ provides an objective measure, allowing clinicians to rate a person’s social, occupational, and psychological functioning on a numerical scale, aiding in diagnosis.
What is a limitation of using failure to function adequately to define abnormality?
A limitation is that the criteria are subjective and open to interpretation. Clinicians may have different views on what constitutes ‘adequate’ functioning, leading to inconsistent and unreliable diagnoses.
What is a limitation of failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality?
A limitation is that it is culturally specific. What is considered ‘adequate’ functioning may differ across cultures. For example, alternative lifestyles or religious practices may be seen as abnormal by clinicians but are not necessarily indicative of a mental disorder.
What is a limitation of failure to function adequately related to misdiagnosis?
A limitation is that individuals who appear to function adequately may still have psychological abnormalities. For example, someone with an addiction could function normally but still require treatment, showing that this definition may miss some cases of abnormality.
