4. Definitions Of Abnormality (2) AO3

Question 1

Name two weaknesses of definitions for abnormality

Answer 1

• it’s a subjective judgement

- same as deviation from social norms

Question 2

Explain how failure to function adequately is just the same as deviation from social norms

Answer 2

Can be hard to say when someone is really failing to function or just deviating from social norms - e.g. people who do extreme sports could be seen as behaving maladaptively

Question 3

What is the issue with treating different behaviour as failing

Answer 3

Treating these behaviours as failures of adequate functioning may limit freedom

Question 4

Give an example of why defining abnormality may be a subjective judgement

Answer 4

Someone has to judge whether a patient is distressed or distressing - some patients may say they are distressed but may not be judged as not suffering

Question 5

Why is subjective judgement an issue for defining abnormality

Answer 5

Questionable if someone (e.g. Psychiatrist) has the right to make this judgement

Question 6

Name a strength of failure to function adequately

Answer 6

Recognises patients perspective - acknowledges experience of the patient is important

Question 7

Why is recognising the patient’s perspective helpful

Answer 7

Captures the experience of many people who need help - also useful in assessing abnormality