Definitions of Abnormality

Question 1

What are the 4 definitions of abnormality?

Answer 1

Statistical Infrequency, Failure to function adequately. Deviation from social norms and Deviation from ideal mental health

Question 2

Explain social infrequency

Answer 2

Implies a disorder is abnormal if. its frequency is more than2 standard deviations away from. the mean incidence rates represented on a normally-distributed curve

Question 3

Give a + of statistical infrequency

Answer 3

It’ used in the clinical diagnosis of mental health disorders in comparison with ‘normal’ value. It is used to affect the severity of the disorder

Question 4

Give a - of statistical infrequency

Answer 4

It makes the assumption that abnormal characteristics are negative, this isn’t always the case. EG - having a high IQ would be seen as abnormal but would make you a genius

Question 5

Explain failure to function adequately

Answer 5

Proposed in 1989 by Rosenhan and Seligman and suggests a persons current mental state is. preventing them from leading a normal life, it occurs when the patient doesn’t obey social noms and are In distress and their behaviour becomes distressing

Question 6

Give a + of failure function adequately

Answer 6

It takes into account the patients perspective and the final diagnosis compromises the patients symptoms and an objective opinion. This leads to an accurate diagnoses of mental health disorders as they aren’t necessarily under statistical limits

Question 7

Give a - of failure to function adequately

Answer 7

This idea can lead to children being labelled ‘strange’ or ‘crazy’ leading to negative stereotypes. Not everyones mental health disorder. requires a diagnosis especially if they have a. high quality of life. Instead labelling can cause discrimination or prejudice

Question 8

Explain deviation from social norms

Answer 8

It suggests that abnormal behaviour is based upon staying away from social norms. In most cultures there are general norms for example having hallucinations

Question 9

Give a - of deviation from social norms (VSIC)

Answer 9

Mental health diagnosis varies significantly in cultures and historically. For example in the 19th century ‘nymphomania’ was a condition where women were attracted to working class men

Question 10

Give a - of deviation from social norms (RSN)

Answer 10

It relies on social norms meaning this explanation suffers cultural relativism. For example hearing voices in some African and Asian cultures look upon this as positive and spiritual. The use of this definition can lead to discrepancies in the diagnoses of mental health disorder between cultures

Question 11

What is deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 11

In 1958 Jahoda said we should look at the mental state of the patient rather than the abnormality. The criteria is being able to self-actualise, having an accurate perception on ourselves, not being distressed, being able to maintain normal levels of motivation to carry out day ti day activities and a high level of self esteem

Question 12

Give a - of deviation from ideal mental health (UE)

Answer 12

There’s an unrealistic expectation of ideal mental health, the vast majority of people being unable to acquire and maintain the criteria. This means the majority of the population. would be considered abnormal. Therefore this is a limited explanation

Question 13

Give a - of deviation from ideal mental health (CR)

Answer 13

It has cultural relativism as the idea of putting ourselves first may be seen as selfish in collectivist cultures. Meaning it. is only celebrated in some cultures