Defentitions Of Abnormality +E

Question 1

What is the definition of statistical infrequency as an explanation of abnormality + an example.

Answer 1

Defines abnormality by how rare the condition/ behaviours are and how often we come across it.

E.G IQ

Question 2

Name the Definitions of abnormality

Answer 2

Statistical infrequency
Deviation from social norms
Failure to function adequately
Deviation from social norms

Question 3

Strength and weakness of statistical infrequency

Answer 3

S: Real world applications (E) its used in clinical practices as a way to diagnose and decide on severity (E) TST value in the statically infrequency because its useful.

W: Unusual characteristics can be (E) someone with an IQ over 150 is abnormal but its not bad. Means that being abnormal doesn’t mean something is wrong(E) TMT its not sufficient as a sole explaination

Question 4

Explain deviation form social norms + example

Answer 4

When someone behaves out of the ordinary form what society considers normal/ acceptable

These are specific to the culture we live in and may be different form generation to generation
E.g homosexuality

Question 5

Strength and weakness of Deviaiton from social norms

Answer 5

S: Real world applications (E) used to diagnose antisocial behaviour which is defined by the inability to conform to culturally acceptable ethical behaviour (E) TST it has value in psychiatry

W: Cultural and situational relativising (E) someone will class someone as abnormal by their own standards. E.g nearing voices may be considered abnormal in some cultures but in others is getting messages from your ansestors. (E) Difficult to judge across different situations and cultures

Question 6

Explain failure to function adequately

Answer 6

When are unable to function is society. For example can’t hold down a job or maintain basic hygiene standards.

Selgiman defies this as:

• no longer conforming to interpersonal rules
• experiencing severe distress
• behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or others.

Question 7

Strength and weakness of Failure to function adequately

Answer 7

S: Represents a sensible threshold for when people need professional help (E) around 25% of people in the UK will experience mental health issues. Many people press on severe symptoms. (E) TMT treatment and services can be targeted to those who need it.

W: Discrimination and social control (E) in practice its difficult to decipher of they are failing to function adequality or just living a different lifestyle.(E)TMT people who make unusual choices at at risk of being labelled abnormal and their freedoms restricted

Question 8

Explain Deviation from Ideal mental health

Answer 8

When someone doesn’t fill out the normal standards for ideal mental health.

Good mental health looks like: according to Jahoda (1958)

• being able to self actualise
• good self esteem
• independent form other people
• have a realistic view of the world

There is overlap between this and failure to function adequately

Question 9

Strengths and weaknesses do deviation form ideal mental health

Answer 9

S: comprehensive definition (E)includes a range of criteria for distinguishing mental health from mental disorder. Because most of the reasons why people seek to be referred for help with mental health meaning more targeted counselling = better results. (E) TMT this explanation provides a checklist that we can assess ourselves and others on = useful.

W: Extremely high standards (E) Very few of us can attain all of the criteria. It can be disheartening to see standards that we can’t meet. (E) not useful or attainable for normal people