Defining Abnormality Flashcards
The 4 different definitions(ways of explaining) of
Abnormality
1)DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS
2)STATISTCAL DEVIATION
3)FAILURE TO Function ADEQUATELY
4)DEVIATION FROM IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH
How does DSN(deviation from social norms)
Define abnormality
When an individual doesn’t follow generally accepted rules in a society
However
Every society has commonly accepted standards of behaviour
What is an example of abnormality defined by DSN
(Deviation from social norms)
People with antisocial personality disorder
As:they fail to meet accepted norms- they are extremely impulsive/aggressive
( characteritistcs of the disorder)
A strength of Deviation from social norm as an definition of abnormality
It’s real world application/-usefulness
It’s used in clinical practice -
for example
when defining characteristics of antisocial personality disorder - all the signs of the disorder are deviations from social norms
Another strength of deviation from social norms
Helps make abnormalities clear
As :the theory distinguish normal behaviour And abnormal behaviour in a society
Strength as: abnormalities can be spotted/treated quicker and better
A drawback of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality
Its temporary validity
As: definitions of socially normal behaviour can change over time
For example: homosexual marriage was against social norms, 50 years ago, now its socially accepted
Another drawback of deviation from social norms (DSN)being an definition for abnormality
culturally bias
Because:cultural relativism(what is considered normal behaviour varies across cultures)
Social norms aren’t universal
Therefore:behaving in a certain way doesn’t simply define someone as abnormal
How does FFA(failure to function adequately) definine abnormality
Someone who is unable to cope with the demands of everyday life
Therefore cant: hold down a job/maintain relationships/ basics standards of hygiene (everyday demands)
How did Rosenham and seligman contribute to FFA as a definition of abnormality
They proposed a list of signs that show when someone isn’t coping/functioning adequately
Rosenham and seligman proposed - somone isnt coping when:
1)Experience PERSONAL DISTRESS
Sign of many mental disorders
2)HAVE MALADAPTIVE BEHAVIOUR
(behaviour that interferes with an ur ability to lead a normal life life)
What is the GAF scale?
Measure of how an individual functions in everyday life
according to rosenham and Seligmans list about functioning adequately
How does DIMH(deviation from ideal mental health)
Define abnormality
Failing to have any one of the criteria for good mental health
To show ideal mental health individuals be should have
1)have a Postive view on self
2)be focused on developing
3)can function independently
4)accurate view of reality
5)can form positive relationships
6)meet demands in different environments
What is a strength of DIMH(DEVIATION IF IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH) as a definition of abnormality
ITS a comprehensive definition
As:it covers a broad range of criteria for mental health
In fact: it covers most of the reasons why people seek help with mental health
Strength as: provides a checklist allowing us to assess others/oursleves
Another strength of DIMH(deviation from ideal mental health)
Allows us to set/achieve goals
The criteria allows for goals to be set/
Focus on Achieving ideal mental health
A weakness of DIMH as an definition of abnormality
Culturally bias definition
As:Cultural relativism -Diffferent cultures have different ideas about what is mentally healthy
For example:Ability to act independently(is a criteria)
In western countries it’s normal
However
Collectivist cultures, relying on others is encouraged
Another weakness of DIMH(ideal mental health disorder) as an explanation of abnormality
It’s hard to show all the criteria at the same time
The criteria makes ideal mental health practically impossible to achieve
How does statistical deviation define abnormality
Behaviour is classified as abnormal if its statistically unusual/rare
An example of of statistical deviation defining someone as abnormaly
(IQQ)IQ disability disorder -few people will score above/below the average.
Therefore:they are unusual compared to statistics.
What % were able to receive a diagnosis for IQQ(IQ disability disorder)
2% scored below average
These people are: rare/abnormal
A strength of statistcal deviation as a definition of abnormality
Usefulness
PROVIDES CLEAR GUIDELINES FOR IDENTIFYING ABNORMALITY
E.G:The diagnosis of people with IQ disability disorder -
IQ less than 70- u have the disorder/ ur abnormal
Another reason why statistical deviation is an useful Explaination of abnormality
Usefulness/Real world application
Used in most assessments of mental health patients
As: the assessments use a measurement of how severe their symptoms are compared to the statistical norm
Weakness of statistcal deviation as an definition of abnormality
Rare/unsual characteristics can be postive
For example: someone with a high IQ isnt seen as abnormal/requiring treatment
Therefore: **statistical deviation alone cannot be used to make a diagnosis **
Another weakness of statistcal deviation as definition of abnormality
There are mental illnesses that that** aren’t rare/unsual but common**
For example: millions of people are depress
Ed
This: undermines the approach
