Defining Abnormality

Question 1

Define deviation from social norms

Answer 1

Behaviour violating accepted social rules

Question 2

Strengths of deviation from social norms

Answer 2

• distinguishes between normal/ abnormal- the definition gives a clear indication of what is and isn’t seen as normal behaviour
• helps people- the fact society gives itself the right to intervene in abnormal peoples lives can be beneficial, as such individuals that need it may not be able to get help themselves
• developmental norms - the definition establishes what behaviours are normal for different ages.

Question 3

Limitations of deviation from social norms

Answer 3

• Subjective - social norms aren’t real, based on what ruling elites see as abnormal behaviour
• change over time - social norms change over time as society’s attitudes change over time
• cultural differences - social norms vary in cultures, what may be seen as abnormal in one culture may be normal in another

Question 4

Define statistical frequency

Answer 4

Behaviour that are statistically rare should be seen as abnormal

Question 5

Strengths of statistical infrequency

Answer 5

• based on real data- relies on real unbiased data and so again is an objective means of defining abnormality
• evidence for assistance - statistical evidence that a person has a mental disorder can be used to justify requests for psychiatric assistance
• overall view - gives an overview of what behaviours and characteristics are infrequent within a given population

Question 6

Limitations of statistical infrequency

Answer 6

• where to draw the line- its not clear how far behaviours should deviate from the norm to be seen as abnormal
• not all abnormal behaviours are infrequent - some statistically frequent ‘normal’ behaviours are actually abnormal

Question 7

Define deviation from the ideal mental health

Answer 7

Perceives abnormality in a similar way to how physical health is assessed by looking for signs of an absence of wellbeing

Question 8

Characteristics of ideal mental health

Answer 8

• positive attitudes towards oneself
• self actualisation
• resisting stress
• accurate perception of reality

Question 9

Limitations of deviation from the ideal mental health

Answer 9

Changes over Time - perceptions of reality change over time

Question 10

Strengths of deviation from the ideal mental health

Answer 10

• positive - emphasises positive achievements rather than failures and distress, focuses on behaviour that is desirable
• holistic - considers an individual as a whole person rather than focusing on individuals areas of their behaviour

Question 11

Define failure to function adequately

Answer 11

• refers to abnormality that prevent the person form carrying out the range of behaviours that society would expect from them such as getting out of bed each day, holding own a job

Question 12

Strengths of failure to function adequately

Answer 12

• definition provides a practical checklist of seven criteria individuals can use to check their level of abnormality

Question 13

Limitations of failure to function adequately

Answer 13

• ffa might not be linked to abnormality but to other factors, failure to keep a job could be due to economic factors not psychopathology
• cultural relativism - what may be seen as functioning adequately in one culture may not be adequate in another

Question 14

Name the 4 definitions of abnormality

Answer 14

• deviation from social norms
• statistical infrequency
• deviation from the ideal mental health
• failure to function adequately

Question 15

Ellis abc model

Answer 15

Ellis suggests that
A - an activating event causes
B- an individuals beliefs which result in
C - a consequence