Abnormality Flashcards
What is difficult about studying mental health problems?
How do we decided what is normal or abnormal?
What are the four definitions of abnormality
Failure to function adequately
Statistical Infrequency
Deviation From Social Norms
Deviation From Ideal Mental Health
Outline Deviation From Social Norms
A social norm is in honour and written rule about what is acceptable within society. Walking around the streets naked is considered abnormal but certain man do that In africa
issues with deviation from social norms
One issue is the idea of cultural relativism social norms differ between cultures and what is considered normal in 1 culture may be abnormal in another. in 75 countries homosexuality is still illegal There is no global standard There is no global standard
Social norms change of the time This increases hindsight bias homosexuality was in mental illness until 1973
Using Deviations from social norms to diagnose abnormality Could be seen as a form of social control of a minority groups as a means to exclude those who dont conform from society (Szas) 1974
Outline Failure to Function adequately
A person is considered abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life. Their failure to cope should cause personal suffering and discomfort for those who observe their behaviour such as family and friends. For example someone with depression may find it difficult to get out of bed or communicate with family and friends. Inability to cope with demands of everyday life. Behaviour causes distress for kin and friends
Issues with FFA explanation for abnormality
Individual Differences. Someone with OCD might take part in rituals that prevent them from functioning adequately.. They may miss work etc.
But Someone else with OCD may still be able to find time to function adequately. Get to work on time. Despite the same behavioural and psychological symptoms they are diagnosed differently.
Strength of FFA
It considers subjective personal experiences. It considers thoughts and feelings. Doesn’t make a judgement without taking personal viewpoint the patient into consideration.
Outline Statistical Infrequency
Statistical infrequency is when a behaviour is seen as abnormal if it is statistically uncommon or not seen very often in society
For example the average IQ is 100 however a small percentage of the population approximately 5% have an IQ below 17 or above 130 these people are statistically uncommon and consequently would be classified as abnormal according to this definition
How do you identify a statistical infrequency on a distribution curve
The extreme ends of the distribution curve are people that are statistically infrequent and classified as abnormal
issues with statistical infrequency
Misdiagnosis. Some behaviours are statistically common such as depression. This, technically makes it normal.
Similarly behaviour like high IQ is statistically uncommon and therefore classified as abnormal despite its desirable nature. It shouldn’t be used when making a diagnosis.
Another issue is that labelling someone as abnormal can be harmful. A label can contribute to a poor self image and can invite discrimination. Being labelled as abnormal could be more harmful than the condition.
Outline deviation from ideal mental health
Jahoda (1958) suggested that abnormal behaviour should be defined by the absence of particular characteristics. Behaviour which deviate from ideal mental health.
What are the 6 principles of ideal mental health
Positive view of yourself
Being capable of personal growth and self actualisation (highest level of psychological development in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
Being Independent and self regulating
Having an accurate view of reality
Being able to integrate and resist stress
Being able to master your environment (friendships, work )etc
If an individual doesn’t demonstrate one of these they would be classified as abnormal. Someone with depression may have a negative view of themselves.
Issue with Deviation from ideal mental health
Unrealistic Criteria. There are times when everyone will experience stress or negativity. According to this definition everyone is abnormal due to circumstances outside their control such as the death of a loved one or studying for a psychology exam.
Strength of Deviation from ideal mental health
It covers a wide range of criteria. Takes multiple factors that can affect mental health and well-being.
