Abnormality Flashcards
How does deviation from social norms define abnormality?
When behaviour violates the (unwritten) rules about what is expected or accepted in a particular social group and breaches social norms
What is the strength of the deviation from social norms definition?
1) highlights importance of cultural contexts in understanding what constitutes abnormal behaviour, promoting a more culturally sensitive approach
What are the limitations of the deviation from social norms definition?
1) it does not account for lifestyle choices, meaning some behaviour may be labelled abnormal when it is not
2) it lacks temporal validity as social norms change over time and place, meaning definition is not reliable or permanent and can’t be used universally
How does failure to function adequately define abnormality?
When an individual is unable to cope with necessary tasks in everyday life and it causes distress to one’s self or others
What are the 6 features of abnormality according to Rosenhan and Seligman?
(Failure to function adequately)
1) personal distress
2) maladaptive behaviour (danger to self)
3) unpredictability (standing out)
4) observer discomfort
5) violation of moral and ideal standards
6) irrationality (difficult to make yourself understood)
What is the strength of the failure to function adequately definition?
1) there are useful practical applications as it makes it easier to identify abnormality meaning it is quicker for individuals to access treatments (individuals given an overall score after completing a questionnaire designed by WHODA, providing an objective and quantitative measurement of functioning)
What are the limitations of the failure to function adequately definition?
1) does not take into account an individual’s circumstance because sometimes it is normal to fail to function and this would consider behaviour abnormal even if it is just a normal response to a difficult circumstance
2) sets the bar too low as it is not clear how extreme the behaviour must be in order to be considered abnormal and is too easy for a person to meet the criteria
How does statistical infrequency define abnormality?
Behaviour that is rare and at the extremes of the normal distribution curve (4.6% of the population)
What are the strengths of the statistical infrequency definition?
1) quantitative so potentially clear and useful
2) it has real-life applications as it is a useful part of clinical assessment of patients
What are the limitations of the statistical infrequency definition?
1) doesn’t account for desirability so makes it difficult to distinguish desirable and undesirable behaviours and therefore doesn’t help to identify behaviours in need of treatment
2) some abnormal behaviour is not rare meaning people may be in need of help but would be considered normal
How does deviation from ideal mental health define abnormality?
When an individual does not possess all characteristics of ideal mental health
What are the 6 characteristics of ideal mental health according to Jahoda?
(Deviation from ideal mental health)
1) positive self-attitudes (high self-esteem and strong sense of identity)
2) self-actualisation (motivation to develop and reach full potential)
3) resistance to stress (ability to cope with stressful situations)
4) autonomy (being independent and self-reliant)
5) having an accurate perception of reality (rationality)
6) mastery of the environment (ability to love, work, have interpersonal relationships, adapt to new situations, and overcome problems)
What is the strength of the deviation from ideal mental health definition?
1) offers a positive approach to identifying mental illness meaning it is more ethical
What are the limitations of the deviation from ideal mental health definition?
1) sets the bar too high and most people would be considered abnormal as it is a set of idealised expectations that very few people reach
2) not clear how many criteria need to be lacking or what extent they need to be lacking in order to be considered abnormal
What is cultural relativism?
Some definitions are limited to the particular culture where they were developed and it is only possible to think about people’s normal behaviour in the context of the societies and cultures in which they live
*means definitions can’t be used universally
