Abnormality Flashcards
What are the 4 ways that abnormality can be defined
Deviation from social norms
Failure to function adequately (Rosenhan and Seligman)
Statistical infrequency
Deviation from ideal mental health (Marie Jahoda)
What is the definition of Deviation from social norms
Any behaviour that does not follow accepted social patterns or social rules
Such violation of these rules can be regarded as abnormal behaviour and would be classed as unacceptable
Norms, values and accepted ways to behave vary from one culture to the next and from one period to the next
Deviation from social norms AO1 in more detail
AO1:
- Deviation from social norms looks at the impact of an individuals behaviour upon other people.
- the behaviour that is displayed is examined in terms of how desirable the behaviour is for the individual and society as a whole.
- abnormal and undesirable
- every society has rules that govern behaviour and these are based on moral standards
- some rules can be explicit (e,g the law), while others are codes of conduct
- deviation from social norms can be used to help identify a person who might be suffering from a mental disorder.
Evaluation of deviation from social norms (AO3)
Disadvantages
1) the definition does not always clearly indicate that a person has a psychological abnormality. Therefore psychologists must be cautious when making judgements about whether deviation from social norms implies someone is abnormal or just odd/eccentric (especially when judging behaviour alone)
2) context must be taken into account when judging whether behaviour is deviant or not.
Advantage:
1) it distinguishes a difference between desirable and non-desirable behaviour. This model aims to protect members of the public from the effects of abnormal behaviour and the damaging consequences it can have. Therefor to highlight that certain behaviours are abnormal, we can aim to minimise the behaviour in order to protect members of the public from its effects.
What is the definition of failure to function adequately (Rosenhan and Seligman)
This is a model of abnormality based on the fact that the person is unable to cope with day to day life (such as having a job and interacting well with others) because they are experiencing psychological distress and discomfort. This will have an impact on their personal social and occupational life.
Failure to function adequately by Rosenhan and Seligman in more detail (AO1)
In society there are expectations about how we should live our lives and if someone cannot fulfil their obligations this could be an indication that they are not functioning adequately.
Psychologists use the Global assessment of functioning scale (GAF) to assess rates of social occupational and psychological functioning
The failure to function adequately model encompasses 7 criteria (SUMOVIV) that can help define mental abnormality. When several of the criteria are present together at the same time then the person could be classed as abnormal. This model allows scientists to think in terms of the degree to which someone is abnormal/normal.
The 7 criteria by Rosenhan and Seligman
Suffering:
- a person might be psychologically or physically suffering because they have a psychological abnormality that is having a negative effect on them.
Unpredictability and loss of control:
- Behaviour is often variable and uncontrolled as well as inappropriate
Maladaptiveness:
- prevents an individual from achieving life goals.
- this could be due to a lack of knowledge or skills
Observer discomfort:
- those who see unspoken rules of social behaviour being broken by others experience discomfort
Vividness and unconventionality:
- the way in which abnormal individuals behave in various situations differs
- the same is true for non conformists and eccentrics
Irrationality and incomprehensibility:
- it isn’t clear why anyone would choose to act in that way
Violation of moral and ideal standards:
- violates established moral standards
- most people may fail to maintain these rules if they are out of date or imposed by a minority.
Evaluation of failure to function adequately (AO3)
Disadvantage:
1) abnormality isn’t always accompanied by dysfunction. Some people have a psychological abnormality but they still appear to lead a normal life and do not possess any of the 7 criteria. An example is that Harold Shipman committed many murders but still appeared to function adequately in everyday life. Some people may appear to not function adequately but they may just be having a bad day. Therefor this might be an inaccurate definition of abnormality.
2) the 7 criteria can be problematic as they are difficult to measure and analyse. For example how can we really judge if someone is suffering or not? The model is very subjective and lacks being scientific which means that psychologists need to be cautious when using the model to define abnormality. There may also be occasions when some of the criteria need to be adhered to because it would be the right thing to do. E,g if a relative passes away it is acceptable to show signs of suffering
Advantages:
- using the GAF scale means that psychologists can accurately assess the degree of abnormality and how well the patient is/isn’t coping with daily life. If the patient appears to not be functioning well in their social/occupational life it could be concluded that the patient is not functioning well and is abnormal.
What is the definition of statistical infrequency
Statistical infrequency occurs when an individual possesses a less common characteristic than most of the population. The behaviours displayed are statistically rare
E.g being extremely intelligent with an IQ score over 130
Statistical infrequency in more detail (AO1)
Any relatively unusual behaviour can be thought of as abnormal. This means that when looking at statistics the number of people who display that behaviour might be infrequent or rare
We can display data in a Normal distribution curve
Evaluation of statistical infrequency (AO3)
Advantage:
1) to have an IQ over 130 is just as unusual or statistically infrequent as having an IQ score below 70. Having a high IQ score is positive and desirable. Just because a behaviour is statistically infrequent that does not mean that a person is abnormal and requires treatment. Statistical infrequency can be a good thing.
2) judgements are based on objective, scientific and unbiased data that can help to indicate abnormality and normality. The results from the test can indicate whether someone needs psychological help and assistance.
Disadvantages:
1) it involves labelling some people as abnormal and this is not beneficial. A person with a low IQ of 70 might be labelled in a negative value by other members of society and this can have a negative effect upon how they view themselves. It could affect confidence and self esteem and lead to further problems.
2) there seems to be an objective cut off point between statistical infrequency and normality. We need to decide the dividing line between where normality and abnormality starts and ends and this is very subjective. (E.g IQ of 70 is abnormal but 71 is normal) The cut off point can be questioned.
What is the definition of Deviation from ideal mental health (Marie Jahoda) (AO1)
This definition stems from the humanist approach which focuses on motivation and self development. E.g Maslow devised the “Hierarchy of needs” whereby humans seek to have their human needs met first and then move up to the next level.
Abnormality is related to the lack of contented existence. Therefore people who deviate from having ideal or optimal mental health can be classed as abnormal
Self actualisation means that humans should strive to reach their full potential. Normal people would strive to achieve a series of goals or needs in order to reach self actualisation. Abnormality could occur if a person fails to achieve their goals or meet the necessary criteria.
Jahoda has argued that concepts of abnormality and Normality are not very useful as they are too vague or general. Instead she wanted to focus on the 6 criteria that are needed in order for a person to have positive mental health and to be normal
Marie Jahoda’s six criteria (AO1)
Autonomy:
- the degree to which an individual is independent of social influences and can make their own decisions
Perception of reality:
- mentally healthy people do not distort their perception of reality - they are not too optimistic or pessimistic.
- they also show signs of empathy and social sensitivity to others
Personal growth:
- the extent of an individuals growth, development and self actualisation
- becoming the type of person that you aim to be
Integration:
- this integrates the criteria of self attitude and personal growth together
- the person must be able to cope with stressful situations and anxiety provoking situations
Environmental mastery:
- the extent to which an individual is successful and well adapted. It includes the ability to love, adequacy at work and play, good interpersonal relationships efficient problem solving and capacity for adjustment
Self attitudes:
- high self esteem and a strong sense of identity
Evaluation of deviation from ideal mental health
Advantages:
1) it is Positive and productive. It focuses on ideal or optimal criteria that we should all aim and strive for in order to be psychologically healthy. It could be seen as a therapeutic goal that humans should strive for and aim to achieve. Self actualisation is a positive trait that every human to try to accomplish if possible
2) Deviation from ideal mental health has the advantage that it can highlight and target areas of dysfunction that the patient can work on and improve in their life. This can be very important when treating different types of disorders. E.g people who do not possess the criteria of self attitude might be showing signs of depression. This can therefore highlight the area of dysfunction to both the patient and psychologist.
Disadvantages:
1) This can be viewed as problematic. The six criteria are based on abstract concepts and ideals and are difficult to define or measure. At what point could we say the criteria have not been met and the person could be classed as abnormal. The model is not very objective or scientific
2) it is problematic in the fact that Very few people can actually achieve all of the six criteria at any one time. Therefore many of us would be classed as abnormal and we could argue that it would be normal to be abnormal. To sustain and meet all of the six criteria at any one time could be deemed as quite impossible.
