Defining Abnormality Flashcards
Define Statistically Infrequency
Refers to conditions that are rare compared to the norm. Many human characteristics fall into a normal frequency distribution. This can tell us what is common or ‘normal’ and what is uncommon or abnormal. For example, in facing everyday challenges, it is rare to be excessively fearless or fearful and normal to experience some anxiety.
Define Deviation from social norms
There are social norms created by social groups of people about what comprises acceptable standards of behaviour.
Deviation from social norms is classed as abnormal. Some rules about unacceptable behaviour are implicit whereas others are policed by laws. They also differ over place and time due to cultural relativism, EG alcohol consumption in public places.
Define Failure to function adequately
Failing to cope with everyday life. People are judged on their ability to go about daily life. If they cant do this and are also experiencing distress. (or distressing others by their behaviour) then it is considered a sign of abnormality.
Define Deviation form ideal mental health
The absence of the following criteria:
- Self-attitude : having high self-esteem
- Personal growth and self-actualisation
- Integration: Coping with stressful situations
- Autonomy: Being Independent
- Having an accurate perception of reality
- Mastery Of the environment: Including ability to love, function at work, solve problems
Evaluate Statistical Infrequency:
Some abnormal behaviour is desirable
The statistical infrequency definition does not distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviours. Very high IQ is infrequent but is generally considered to be desirable. Equally depression is relatively common yet is undesirable. We need a means of identifying infrequent and undesirable behaviours.
Evaluate Statistical Infrequency:
The cut off point is subjectively determined
We need to determine the dividing line between normality from abnormality and this can be problematic. E.G. what is excessive or too little sleep? The cut off point is inevitably subjectively determined but is important for deciding who gets treatment.
Evaluate Statistical Infrequency:
Statistical infrequency is sometimes not enough
In some situations a statistical criterion can define abnormality
EG uncommonly low intellectual ability may be judged as a mental disorder. However such a diagnosis is appropriate only if failure to function adequately is not taken into account
Evaluate: Deviation from social norms;
Susceptible to abuse
The main difficulty with the deviation from social norms definitions is that it varies as social morals and attitudes change over time
EG Homosexuality was once labelled a disorder. The mental ill are this those individuals who transgress against prevailing social attitudes.
It could be used as an excuse to exclude nonconformists from society.
Evaluate: Deviation from social norms;
Deviance is related to content and degree
Behaviour considered to be deviant is one setting is considered normal in another. Wearing a swimming costume to college would be deviant but wearing it on a beach would be normal.
The distinction between deviance and normality can also be a matter of degree. Wearing a swimming costume to every class would be considered deviant but wearing it once to class during rag week might be considered normal.
Evaluate: Deviation from social norms;
Cultural Relativism
Classification system draw on social norms of dominant western,white,middle-class culture hence they are culture-bound. Universal standards for labeling a behaviour as abnormal
Evaluate of failure to function adequately:
Limitations of who judges?
Failure to function adequately must be judged by the individual or someone else and they may disagree on criteria. There is thus a risk that adequately functioning individuals may be classed as abnormal or that dysfunctional people may remain diagnosed.
Evaluate of failure to function adequately:
The behaviour may be functional
Apparently dysfunctional behaviour can be adaptive and functional. For example someone with a condition such as depression may lead to extra support for the individual.
Some cross-dressers make a living from it, yet transvestism is in the list of mental disorders and is generally regarded as abnormal.
Evaluate of failure to function adequately:
Easy to measure objecively
The subjective experience and point of view of the patient is acknowledged. in addition ‘Failure to function is also relatively easy to judge objectively because we can list behaviors and thus decide when treatment is required.
Evaluate Deviation From Ideal Mental Health:
Unrealistic Criteria
According to ideal criteria, most of us are abnormal Furthermore the criteria are difficult to measure. Capacity for personal growth or environmental mastery. This approach may be an interesting concept but not really useable
Evaluate Deviation From Ideal Mental Health:
Mental health is not the same as physical health
Like physical illnesses, some mental disorders have physical causes but many result from life experiences. Therefore it is unlikely that we could diagnose mental health and physical health in the same way.
