Abnormality Flashcards
What can abnormality be described as?
deviating from social norms
what can abnormality also be described as?
deviation from statistical norms
what are the problems with abnormality in the terms of statistical infrequency?
- it doesn’t take into account desirability of behaviour just its frequency (having a high IQ is desirable whereas having a low IQ is abnormal)
- there is no distinction between rare, slightly odd behaviour and rare, psychologically abnormal behaviour
- there is no definite cut-off point where normal behaviour becomes abnormal behaviour
what is failure to function adequately?
another definition of abnormality
what is dysfunctional behaviour?
behaviour which goes against the accepted standards
what is observer discomfort?
behaviour that causes individuals to become uncomfortable
what is unpredictable behaviour?
impulsive behaviour that seems to be uncontrollable
what is irrational behaviour?
behaviour that is unreasonable and illogical
what is personal distress?
being affected by emotion to an excessive degree
how many criteria points do you have to have to be considered abnormal?
2
who identified 6 conditions associated with ideal mental health?
Jahoda (1958)
what are Jahodas 6 conditions?
positive self-attitude self-actualisation resistance to stress personal autonomy accurate perception of reality adaptation to the environment
How can the idea of ideal mental Heath vary across time?
What is considered mentally heathy at one time may not be at another time.
To be classified as a mental illness there should be one or more of the following symptom so…
Impairment of intellectual functions
Alterations to mood
Delusional beliefs
Disordered thinking
