defining abnormality

Question 1

abnormality through deviation from social norms with example

Answer 1

= classified as abnormal/unusual due to thinking/behaviour violating social rules/expectations on acceptable behaviour within particular social group.

e.g. Abnormality = depends on context of situation = costumes acceptable for events that require so, abnormal in normal situations

Question 2

abnormality through statistical infrequency with example

Answer 2

= when traits, thinking or behaviour classified as abnormal due to rareness/statistical unusualness- statistically below or above average

e.g. average IQ = 100 (normal distribution is 85-115) = less than or above this distribution = ‘abnormal’ = IDD (intellectual disability disorder)

Question 3

abnormality through failure to function adequately

Answer 3

unable to cope with demands of everyday life = maintain basic standards of hygiene and nutrition, hold down job or maintain relationships.

Question 4

abnormality through deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 4

By defining what normal/ideal mental health is, we can identify deviations from this as abnormal

Question 5

pros of abnormality through deviation from social norms

Answer 5

Practical application = used in key defining characteristics of disorders, due to behaving outside of social ‘norms’
e.g., schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder (failure to conform to culturally acceptable ethical behaviour)
= using as criterion has value in psychiatry

Question 6

cons of abnormality through deviation from social norms

Answer 6

Social/Cultural Relativism

• Subjective definition = variable to cultures, historical context, situations
  = difficult to use for cross-cultural judgement, low generalisability

e.g. hearing voices in one country vs another

Question 7

pros of abnormality through statistical infrequency

Answer 7

Practical Applications = used in clinical practice = form diagnosis and assess severity of condition
* refer to IDD example

Beneficialness of labelling = provide comfort, know where to find support. Counter available

Question 8

cons of abnormality through statistical infrequency

Answer 8

• no separation of negative and positive characteristics.
  E.g. higher than average IQ = not viewed as abnormal = suggests being at lower/higher end of spectrums, whilst it may be unusual = doesn’t make you abnormal
• Many rare behaviours/characteristic = no effect on normal/abnormal. E.g., left-handed vs. right-handed
• never sufficient as sole basis for defining abnormality, but can help form part of basis

Question 9

pros of abnormality through failure to function adequately

Answer 9

clear guidelines for classification/diagnosis of abnormality = focused on observable signs that an individual is not coping
= allow for individual to receive help

• checklist means the degree of FTFA can also be assessed = increases reliability and objectivity of the measure

Question 10

pros of abnormality through deviations from ideal mental

Answer 10

= positive measure of abnormality
- has useful IRL app.
= use as basis for therapy and treatments, with emphasis on the whole person and on positive mental health and wellbeing

Question 10

cons of abnormality through failure to function adequately

Answer 10

1. can misinterpret choosing to deviate from social norms as failure to function (subjective measure) = enjoyment of high-risk activities (e.g. smoking, drinking, adrenaline sports) or unusual spiritual practices
   - This can limit individuals’ freedom by mistakenly classifying them as in need of help/precaution
2. Unclear time frame
   = Over what amount of time does failure to function adequately become worrying = many will experience this in periods of life, e.g., bereavement, heartbreak, stress, does a cause make it any less concerning?

Question 11

cons of abnormality through deviations from ideal mental

Answer 11

culture-bound
- Criterion considers largely American and European ideas of ideal mental health = not necessarily applicable across cultures
E.g. independence in collectivist vs. individualist cultures

• Question of how realistic/attainable is criterion IRL

Question 12

Jahoda’s (1958) criterion for measuring mental health

Answer 12

1. Positive view of self
2. Capability for growth and development (Self Actualisation)
3. Autonomy
4. Accurate perception of reality
5. Resistance to stress
6. Environmental mastery (ability to meet varying demands of day-to-day situations)

Question 12

Rosenham and Seligman (1989) Criterion for FtFA

Answer 12

• Suffering
• Maladaptive (danger to self)
• Unpredictability/loss of control
• Violates moral/social standards (e.g. lack of eye contact and maintenance of personal space)
• Causes observer discomfort