Chapter 6 - 'Approaches To Describing Normality' Flashcards
Describe what the socio-cultural approach refers to.
Provide an example.
Refers to what a particular culture deems acceptable or unacceptable.
For example, in some cultures it would be normal to bury the deceased where in other cultures this would be considered abnormal.
Describe what the functional approach refers to.
Provide an example.
Refers to the persons ability to function in everyday life.
For example, a person being able to feed and clothe themselves so they could work would be considered normal.
Describe what the Historical approach refers to.
Provide an example.
Refers to the era in which the behaviour occurred.
For example, corporal punishment was quite normal hundreds of years ago, it’s now not so common.
Describe what the situational approach refers to.
Provide an example.
Refers to the time and the situation of which behaviour occurs.
For example, tackling someone at a workplace compared to at a contact sports game may be considered abnormal.
Describe what the medical approach refers to.
Provide an example.
Refers to the identification of abnormality by as a biological illness.
For example the diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Describe what the statistical approach refers to.
Provide an example.
Refers to what is compared to other people in the same group.
For example, it would be considered normal to laugh when tickled, because the majority of people do.
Define normality.
Defined as a pattern of thoughts, feelings and behaviours that conforms to a typical or expected standard.
Define abnormality.
Abnormality may be defined as a pattern of thoughts, feelings and behaviours that are deviant, distressing and dysfunctional.
According to WHO, define health.
Which aspect/aspects of health are regarded as most important?
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing.
They are all equally important.
Define illness.
A person’s subjective experience of feeling unwell in relation to one or more aspects of their health.
Define disease.
The identifiable physiological changes associated with an abnormal bodily condition.
Define mental health.
The capacity of an individual to interact in ways that promote subjective wellbeing.
Define mental illness.
AKA?
A psychological dysfunction that usually involves impairment in the ability to cope with everyday life.
AKA mental disorder.
Define psychological dysfunction.
A change in the way a person thinks, feel and behaves, affecting their ability to cope with everyday life.
List the six different approaches to defining normality and abnormality.
Six approaches that have been influential are: Socio-cultural approach Functional approach Historical approach Situational approach Medical approach Statistical approach
