Abnormality

Question 1

What is abnormal behaviour

Answer 1

Behaviour that is not normal, very difficult to define. Many definition exist with different strengths and weakness.
Other meanings are mentally ill, atypical

Question 2

Abnormality is relative

Answer 2

What is seen as normal or abnormal is relative to a culture,time and contex
Behaviour may be normal in one culture but abnormal in another.
What is normal now might not have been 50 years ago.
Normal behaviour on a night out might not be normal behaviour at work

Question 3

Statistical infrequency

Answer 3

An approach to abnormality that assumes statistically infrequent behaviours are abnormal
This doesn’t take into account desirability as genius is desirable but infrequent where anxiety is non desirable but frequent. Also statistics are relative to time and culture

One strength is that it works for some behaviours like hallucinations,

Question 4

Devotion from social norms

Answer 4

Assumes that behaviours that deviate from what is considered normal and right within a perticular culture are abnormal.
One strength is that it works for behaviours like hallucinations and takes desirability into account.
Weakness include- some people differ from social norms but it might not be fair or right to say they are abnormal e.g. Unusual interest
Social norms are relative to culture,time and contex

Question 5

Personal distress

Answer 5

An approach to defining abnormality that takes into account the amount of suffering the person is experiencing.
Strengths- some people who are unusual but perfectly happy are not considered abnormal
Weakness-some people might be abnormal but not experiencing personal distress e.g. Psychopaths

Question 6

Others distress

Answer 6

Defining abnormality that takes into account the distress experienced by others due to the abnormal persons behaviour
Strength-define psychopaths as abnormal
Weakness-the problem may lie with the distressed person not the abnormal person, one example a parent is distress as their son was gay so the problem may lie with the parent not the son

Question 7

Failed to function adequately

Answer 7

Considers those who cannot live their lives to a reasonable standard to be in need of help e.g being unable to cope at work or home
Strength-looks at the persons life as a whole rather than focusing on a specific behaviour
Looks at the person on a individual level

Question 8

Jahoda’s ideal mental health

Answer 8

Places an emphasis on nurturing health rather then curing the symptoms of ill health, Jahoda identified several criteria for ideal mental health e.g. autonomy
Strength-if we nurture health we would avoid abnormalities developing. Promotes a healthier more fair society.
Weakness- changing society e.g. Inequalities would be difficult and expensive for the rich and powerful who make the rules