Definitions of Abnormality

Question 1

Define statistical infrequency

Answer 1

Individual has less common characteristic than most of population e.g. less intelligent / more depressed

Defining something as normal / abnormal is according to number of times we observe it.

Question 2

Evaluate statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality (1-)

Answer 2

_
Unusual can be positive
IQ of 130 just as unusual as 70
One would not consider high intelligence to need treatment - few people doesn’t mean it needs treatment
Serious limitation - never used alone for diagnosis

Question 3

Evaluate statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality (2-)

Answer 3

_
Not everyone benefits from labels
Low IQ
May not be a problem for person being told before
Cause negative view on them from others / themselves

Question 4

Define deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 4

Someone does not meet certain criteria for good mental health

Jahoda’s criteria include being able to cope with stress, having good self esteem and independent of other people

Question 5

Evaluate deviation from ideal mental health as a definition of abnormality (1+)

Answer 5

+
Comprehensive definition
Covers broad range of criteria with list
Covers most reasons why someone seek help from services
Range of factors discussed - good definition

Question 6

Evaluate deviation from ideal mental health as a definition of abnormality (2-)

Answer 6

_
Unrealistically high standards
Self-actualisation - very difficult to reach
Even if one possesses all, hard to maintain + stay consistent
Weak definition - large range of factors can actually be limitation

Question 7

Define deviation from social norms

Answer 7

Behaviour that is different from accepted norms in a certain community / society

Abnormal - offends society’s collective judgement as to what is right

Norms are specific to culture we live in
Some behaviour seen to be universally abnormal

Question 8

Evaluate deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality (1-)

Answer 8

_
Social norms are culturally relative
Someone walking around with minimal clothes on is abnormal in UK but normal in some rural African tribes
Difficult for people from one culture living in another
Weak definition - norms vary around the world / cultures

Question 9

Evaluate deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality (2+)

Answer 9

+
Real life application for diagnosis
Fairly obvious to spot - if you’ve lived in one culture for long time you’re aware of what is / is not socially acceptable
Makes seeking diagnosis / providing treatment simple
Good definition with useful applications

Question 10

Define failure to function adequately

Answer 10

Unable to cope with ordinary demands of day to day living

Rosenhan + Seligman proposed signs to determine when someone is not coping:
- person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal
rules e.g. respecting personal space
- experiences severe personal stress
- behaviour becomes dangerous to themselves / others

Question 11

Evaluate failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality (1-)

Answer 11

_
Hard to tell if its failure to function or deviating from social norms
New Age Travellers
Don’t live in a permanent accommodation + may not work but are not struggling to function
Risks limiting personal freedom / discriminating against minority groups

Question 12

Evaluate failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality (2+)

Answer 12

+
Attempts to include subjective experience
Difficult to assess distress but definition at least acknowledges patient’s experience + gives it importance
Can capture experience of many that need help
Useful criterion to assess abnormality