abnormality definitions

Question 1

a deviation from social norms

Answer 1

All societies have norms or standards, these are appropriate behaviour patterns However if someone continuously acts differently to these norms you may be considered “abnormal”.

Question 2

deviation from social norms limitations

Answer 2

societies moral standards are era dependent, bound by culture, most individuals have behaved in ways society disapproves of, there’s no fixed definition of abnormal behaviour.

Question 3

a failure to function adequately

Answer 3

Rosenhan & Seligman argue If someones mood, behaviour or thinking seriously effects their:
-well being
-safety of themselves or others
then they are abnormal.

Question 4

A failure to function adequately strengths

Answer 4

It’s the only definition that looks at whether people should seek help- this is good because if applied, people should seek help and be able to get better.

Question 5

A failure to function adequately limitations

Answer 5

The definition is a judgement from others as they’ll be seen as mentally ill, most of the psychiatrists are middle class males, it’s unclear and there’s no clear cut off point between normal and abnormal, no cause and effect-the inability to cope could be the cause of the mental disorder rather than the other way round.

Question 6

a deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 6

Jahoda said these criteria’s make you normal:
-POSITIVE SELF ATTITUDE-high self esteem and personal identity
-SELF ACTUALISATION- developing to your full capabilities
-INTEGRATION- being able to cope with stressful situations
-AUTONOMY-being independent and able to look after yourself
-ACCURATE PERCEPTION OF REALITY- seeing life like it really is and not someone else’s perspective of it.
-MASTERY OF THE ENVIROMENT- being able to adjust to new environments.
Jahoda said is you lack any of these you’re abnormal.

Question 7

a deviation from ideal mental health limitations

Answer 7

Very demanding criteria, cultural realism- most of the criteria only applies to western people but not other cultures, can’t be applied to children as they aren’t fully independent, it’s too idealistic and the standards are too high so most people are likely to fall short. Ethnocentric: Most definitions of psychological abnormality are devised by white, middle class men.