4.1: The deviation from social norms definition

Question 1

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).

Deviation from social norms definition​

Answer 1

The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal​

Question 2

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

Failure to function adequately definition

Answer 2

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal

Question 3

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
What do Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest?​

Answer 3

Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features​

Question 4

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including what?

Answer 4

Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including:

1. Personal distress
2. Unpredictability
3. Irrationality

Question 5

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

Deviation from the ideal mental health definition

Answer 5

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing

Question 6

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Who (what year) devised the concept of ideal mental health?

Answer 6

Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health

Question 7

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
What do the 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include?

Answer 7

The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include:

1. An accurate perception of reality
2. Self-actualisation
3. Autonomy
4. A positive attitude towards oneself

Question 8

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

Statistical infrequency definition

Answer 8

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal

Question 9

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

First AO3 PEEL paragraph

Answer 9

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality

Question 10

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus what?

Answer 10

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head’

Question 11

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but what?

Answer 11

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real

Question 12

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are what?

Answer 12

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are subjective and based on the opinions of ruling elites in society rather than majority opinion

Question 13

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are subjective and based on the opinions of ruling elites in society rather than majority opinion and what can they be used to do?

Answer 13

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are subjective and based on the opinions of ruling elites in society rather than majority opinion and they can be used to ‘control’ those seen as a threat to social order

Question 14

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are subjective and based on the opinions of ruling elites in society rather than majority opinion and they can be used to ‘control’ those seen as a threat to social order.

Second AO3 PEEL paragraph

Answer 14

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the ‘distress to others’ aspect of the failure to function adequately definition is not clear​

Question 15

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are subjective and based on the opinions of ruling elites in society rather than majority opinion and they can be used to ‘control’ those seen as a threat to social order.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the ‘distress to others’ aspect of the failure to function adequately definition is not clear.
Behaviour may what?

Answer 15

Behaviour may cause distress to other people and be regarded as dysfunctional​

Question 16

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are subjective and based on the opinions of ruling elites in society rather than majority opinion and they can be used to ‘control’ those seen as a threat to social order.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the ‘distress to others’ aspect of the failure to function adequately definition is not clear.
Behaviour may cause distress to other people and be regarded as dysfunctional, while what?

Answer 16

Behaviour may cause distress to other people and be regarded as dysfunctional, while the person in question feels no distress

Question 17

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are subjective and based on the opinions of ruling elites in society rather than majority opinion and they can be used to ‘control’ those seen as a threat to social order.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the ‘distress to others’ aspect of the failure to function adequately definition is not clear.
Behaviour may cause distress to other people and be regarded as dysfunctional, while the person in question feels no distress, like who?

Answer 17

Behaviour may cause distress to other people and be regarded as dysfunctional, while the person in question feels no distress, like Stephen Gough, the naked rambler

Question 18

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are subjective and based on the opinions of ruling elites in society rather than majority opinion and they can be used to ‘control’ those seen as a threat to social order.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the ‘distress to others’ aspect of the failure to function adequately definition is not clear.
Behaviour may cause distress to other people and be regarded as dysfunctional, while the person in question feels no distress, like Stephen Gough, the naked rambler.
Many schizophrenic people also do not feel that they have a problem, but what?

Answer 18

Many schizophrenic people also do not feel that they have a problem, but others describe their behaviours as erratic and distressing

Question 19

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are subjective and based on the opinions of ruling elites in society rather than majority opinion and they can be used to ‘control’ those seen as a threat to social order.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the ‘distress to others’ aspect of the failure to function adequately definition is not clear.
Behaviour may cause distress to other people and be regarded as dysfunctional, while the person in question feels no distress, like Stephen Gough, the naked rambler.
Many schizophrenic people also do not feel that they have a problem, but others describe their behaviours as erratic and distressing.
What does this suggest?

Answer 19

This suggests that the failure to function adequately definition is not a valid definition of abnormality

Question 20

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are subjective and based on the opinions of ruling elites in society rather than majority opinion and they can be used to ‘control’ those seen as a threat to social order.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the ‘distress to others’ aspect of the failure to function adequately definition is not clear.
Behaviour may cause distress to other people and be regarded as dysfunctional, while the person in question feels no distress, like Stephen Gough, the naked rambler.
Many schizophrenic people also do not feel that they have a problem, but others describe their behaviours as erratic and distressing.
This suggests that the failure to function adequately definition is not a valid definition of abnormality, why?

Answer 20

This suggests that the failure to function adequately definition is not a valid definition of abnormality, as not all abnormal behaviour is associated with distress or a failure to cope

Question 21

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are subjective and based on the opinions of ruling elites in society rather than majority opinion and they can be used to ‘control’ those seen as a threat to social order.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the ‘distress to others’ aspect of the failure to function adequately definition is not clear.
Behaviour may cause distress to other people and be regarded as dysfunctional, while the person in question feels no distress, like Stephen Gough, the naked rambler.
Many schizophrenic people also do not feel that they have a problem, but others describe their behaviours as erratic and distressing.
This suggests that the failure to function adequately definition is not a valid definition of abnormality, as not all abnormal behaviour is associated with distress or a failure to cope, for example what?

Answer 21

This suggests that the failure to function adequately definition is not a valid definition of abnormality, as not all abnormal behaviour is associated with distress or a failure to cope, for example psychopathy

Question 22

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are subjective and based on the opinions of ruling elites in society rather than majority opinion and they can be used to ‘control’ those seen as a threat to social order.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the ‘distress to others’ aspect of the failure to function adequately definition is not clear.
Behaviour may cause distress to other people and be regarded as dysfunctional, while the person in question feels no distress, like Stephen Gough, the naked rambler.
Many schizophrenic people also do not feel that they have a problem, but others describe their behaviours as erratic and distressing.
This suggests that the failure to function adequately definition is not a valid definition of abnormality, as not all abnormal behaviour is associated with distress or a failure to cope, for example psychopathy.

Third AO3 PEEL paragraph

Answer 22

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the deviation from ideal mental health definition identifies target areas of dysfunction

Question 23

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are subjective and based on the opinions of ruling elites in society rather than majority opinion and they can be used to ‘control’ those seen as a threat to social order.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the ‘distress to others’ aspect of the failure to function adequately definition is not clear.
Behaviour may cause distress to other people and be regarded as dysfunctional, while the person in question feels no distress, like Stephen Gough, the naked rambler.
Many schizophrenic people also do not feel that they have a problem, but others describe their behaviours as erratic and distressing.
This suggests that the failure to function adequately definition is not a valid definition of abnormality, as not all abnormal behaviour is associated with distress or a failure to cope, for example psychopathy.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the deviation from ideal mental health definition identifies target areas of dysfunction, but what?

Answer 23

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the deviation from ideal mental health definition identifies target areas of dysfunction, but uses criteria that most people cannot achieve

Question 24

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are subjective and based on the opinions of ruling elites in society rather than majority opinion and they can be used to ‘control’ those seen as a threat to social order.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the ‘distress to others’ aspect of the failure to function adequately definition is not clear.
Behaviour may cause distress to other people and be regarded as dysfunctional, while the person in question feels no distress, like Stephen Gough, the naked rambler.
Many schizophrenic people also do not feel that they have a problem, but others describe their behaviours as erratic and distressing.
This suggests that the failure to function adequately definition is not a valid definition of abnormality, as not all abnormal behaviour is associated with distress or a failure to cope, for example psychopathy.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the deviation from ideal mental health definition identifies target areas of dysfunction, but uses criteria that most people cannot achieve, while what does the statistical infrequency definition have?

Answer 24

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the deviation from ideal mental health definition identifies target areas of dysfunction, but uses criteria that most people cannot achieve, while the statistical infrequency definition has objective criteria

Question 25

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are subjective and based on the opinions of ruling elites in society rather than majority opinion and they can be used to ‘control’ those seen as a threat to social order.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the ‘distress to others’ aspect of the failure to function adequately definition is not clear.
Behaviour may cause distress to other people and be regarded as dysfunctional, while the person in question feels no distress, like Stephen Gough, the naked rambler.
Many schizophrenic people also do not feel that they have a problem, but others describe their behaviours as erratic and distressing.
This suggests that the failure to function adequately definition is not a valid definition of abnormality, as not all abnormal behaviour is associated with distress or a failure to cope, for example psychopathy.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the deviation from ideal mental health definition identifies target areas of dysfunction, but uses criteria that most people cannot achieve, while the statistical infrequency definition has objective criteria, but what?

Answer 25

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the deviation from ideal mental health definition identifies target areas of dysfunction, but uses criteria that most people cannot achieve, while the statistical infrequency definition has objective criteria, but not all infrequent behaviours are abnormal and can actually be desirable

Question 26

Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality (16 marks).
The deviation from social norms definition sees behaviour that violates accepted social norms as being abnormal.

The failure to function adequately definition sees an inability to cope with day-to-day living as abnormal.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has 7 features, including personal distress, unpredictability and irrationality.

The deviation from the ideal mental health definition is that abnormal behaviour is that which fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological wellbeing.
Marie Jahoda (1958) devised the concept of ideal mental health.
The 6 characteristics of ideal mental health include an accurate perception of reality, self-actualisation, autonomy and a positive attitude towards oneself.

The statistical infrequency definition sees behaviours that are rare as abnormal.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that one strength of the deviation from social norms definition is that it considers the social dimension to the idea of abnormality and thus offers an alternative to the idea of someone who is abnormal being ‘sick in the head,’ but social norms are not real - they are subjective and based on the opinions of ruling elites in society rather than majority opinion and they can be used to ‘control’ those seen as a threat to social order.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the ‘distress to others’ aspect of the failure to function adequately definition is not clear.
Behaviour may cause distress to other people and be regarded as dysfunctional, while the person in question feels no distress, like Stephen Gough, the naked rambler.
Many schizophrenic people also do not feel that they have a problem, but others describe their behaviours as erratic and distressing.
This suggests that the failure to function adequately definition is not a valid definition of abnormality, as not all abnormal behaviour is associated with distress or a failure to cope, for example psychopathy.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the deviation from ideal mental health definition identifies target areas of dysfunction, but uses criteria that most people cannot achieve, while the statistical infrequency definition has objective criteria, but not all infrequent behaviours are abnormal and can actually be desirable, like what?

Answer 26

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that the deviation from ideal mental health definition identifies target areas of dysfunction, but uses criteria that most people cannot achieve, while the statistical infrequency definition has objective criteria, but not all infrequent behaviours are abnormal and can actually be desirable, like high IQ