abnormality Flashcards
What is the definition of statistical infrequency
When a persons behaviour is statistically/numerically rare e.g. behaviours found in very few people
- can measure using a normal distribution curve
- anyone who falls out the normal distribution curve they are then perceived as abnormal
How is statistical infrequency linked to real life and what are the points you can say in an evaluation
. IDD- intellectual disability disorder
- The average IQ is 100 and most people (68%) fall between 85-115
- only 2% fall bellow 70 - this is statistically rare
. Evaluation
- specific cut off point
- quantitive data so easy to analyse
- cut off point is to specific between who qualifies as abnormal (e.g. people with 71 IQ miss out on support)
- Doesn’t distinguish between and unwanted or wanted abnormality e.g. high IQ
- Doesn’t account for statistically common disorders e.g. anxiety
What is deviation from social norms
A person is abnormal of they deviate from the unwritten rules of society
- social norms are socially constructed
- context depended biased on time, place and culture
How do you apply deviation from social norms to real life
Homosexuality - Against the law until 1967
- It historically deviated from social norms but now its not a deviation
- It meant that some social groups have been discriminated against and social exclusion due to the norms at the time
Evaluate the deviation of social norms
- hindsight bias - social norms change overtime. This means some social groups have been discriminated against e.g. LGBTQ
- Cultural bias - tendency to judge people based on ones own culture e.g. DSM is westernised and comes from the USA
also hallucinations are acceptable in some cultures as its linked to ancestors - It identifies anti-social behaviour and allows us to identify dangerous and unlawful behaviour
Evaluate statistical infrequency
- specific cut off point
- quantitive data so easy to analyse
- cut off point is to specific between who qualifies as abnormal (e.g. people with 71 IQ miss out on support)
- Doesn’t distinguish between and unwanted or wanted abnormality e.g. high IQ
- Doesn’t account for statistically common disorders e.g. anxiety
Explain the definition of failure to function adequately
people are abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life which causes personal suffering
- Rosenhan and Seligman : proposed signs of failing to cope
. irrational and dangerous behaviour
. personal distress
. no longer conform to interpersonal rules (e.g. personal space, eye contact)
how do you apply failure to function inadequately to real life
IDD = uses both statistical infrequency and failure to function adequately.
- people with IDD may struggle in school and aspects of learning in life such as driving a car
Evaluate the failure to function adequately
- Sensible threshold to identify who needs help. its easy to see so know when you access professional help
- cultural bias - one way of life might be different to another
- Personal life styles - subjective because if you go travelling you wont have a stable job etc
- People can mask symptoms e.g. anxiety so people cannot get help
explain the definition of Deviation from ideal mental health
People are abnormal if they do not have good mental health ( outlined by Jahoda’s criteria )
absence of these criteria indicates abnormality
What is Jahoda’s criteria
. no symptoms or distress
. we are rational and can perceive ourselves accurately
. We self- actualise
. We can cope with stress
. We have a realistic view of the work
. We have good self esteem and lack guilt
. We are independent of other people (autonomy)
. We can successfully work, love and enjoy leisure
Evaluate Deviation from ideal mental health
- Subjective - How do you measure the criteria’s?
- unrealistic
- cultural bias - Reflects western norms - more collectivist cultures e.g. rural Japan think self-actualisation and independence from others is selfish
- Lacks objectivity
What is the DMS
Manual the diagnosis disorders
