Abnormality

Question 1

Statistical infrequency + evaluation

Answer 1

A behaviour is abnormal if it is two standard deviations away from the mean on a normal distribution curve. For example the average iq is 100 and those below 70 are usually diagnosed with intellectual disability disorder
+ statistical infrequency is used in real world situations as part of formal diagnosis but also to determine the severity of an individuals symptoms
- unusual characteristics can be positive eg having a high iq

Question 2

Deviation from social norms + evaluation

Answer 2

A person is abnormal if their behaviour deviates from what is considered as socially acceptable in a certain culture
This is a culture bound collective judgement in order to determine what behaviour is right- for example homosexuality is completely prohibited in some culture but accepted in ours.
For example a person with antisocial personality disorder is impulsive aggressive and irresponsible.
+ real world application
Signs of disorders such as apd and schizotypal personality disorder are all deviations from social norms.
- cultural and situational relativism
People have different standards for example experiencing hearing voices in the uk would likely be seen as a sign of abnormality however in some cultures it is perfectly normal eg hearing voice of ancestors
Situational- aggressive deceitful behaviour is seen as abnormal in a family situation but perfectly acceptable in the context of corporate deal making.
- human rights abuses using deviation from social norms carries the risk of unfair labelling and leaves them open to human rights abuses.

Question 3

Failure to function adequately + evaluation

Answer 3

A person may be considered as abnormal if they cannot cope with the demands of everyday life for example going to work.
Rosenhan and seligman proposed criteria to detainee if a person is not coping
-no longer conforming to impersonal rule such as holding eye contact and respecting personal space
- when a person experiences severe personal distress
- when a persons behaviour becomes irrational and proposes danger towards themselves or others.
+ represents a sensible freehold for when a person needs professional help
Meaning that help can be administrated to those who need it the most
- discriminations and social control can be hard to determine if a person is truly struggling or just chasing not to function adequately this meaning that those who make unusual life choices and prefer to live off grid are labelled as abnormal and even restricted from their freedom of choice.
- may not be abnormal may just be suffering a bereavement.

Question 4

Deviation from ideal mental health + evaluation

Answer 4

A person is considered to be abnormal if deviate from ideal mental health.
Jahodas criteria:
We are in good mental health if
-no symptoms or distress
- rational and perceive ourselves accurately
- can cope with stress
- realistic view of the world
- self esteem and lack guilt
- independent
- successfully work love and enjoy our leisure
+ comprehensive wide range of criteria for distinguishing mental health from mental disorder
- culture bound ideas of self actualisation would be considered self indulgent in cultures such as Germany. Meaning this theory is difficult to apply culture to culture.
- high standards difficult t achieve all especially at the same time however could be something to work towards.