definitions of abnormality Flashcards
statistical infrequency
- individual has less common characteristic than most of population
- e.g. more depressed, less intelligent
- applies most to characteristics that can be reliably measured
- people’s scores for various characteristics will cluster around the average (normal distribution)
average IQ 100. 68% 85-115. below 70 very unusual (2%), liable for diagnosis of intellectual diability disorder.
statistical infrequency strength
- real-life application in diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder
- all assessment of MH patients symptoms severity compared to statistical norms
- useful part of clinical assessment
statistical infrequency
weakness- unusual traits positive
- IQ scores over 130 just as statistically unusual as below 70, wouldn’t think of as undesirable/needing treatment
- just because a behaviour/trait statistically abnormal doesnt mean requires treating
- never used alone to diagnose
statistical infrequency
weakness- labels
- no benefit to labelling someone happy as abnormal regardless of statistical abnormalities
- e.g. very low IQ but not distressed, capable of working etc. don’t need diagnosis of intellectual disability
- negative effect on others views/own views of them
deviation from social norms
behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society
specific to culture we live in. relatively few behaviours universally abnormal from breaching social norms- e.g. homosexuality. legal in UK. Brunei punishable by death.
e.g. antisocial personality disorder. many cultures would consider psychopathic behaviour abnormal.
deviation from social norms
strength
- real-life application antisocial personality disorder
- DSM-5 ‘absence of prosocial internal standards - associated with failure to conform to lawful or culturally normative ethical behaviour’
- psychopathic behaviour abnormal in many cultures
- can constitute whats considered abnormal
deviation from social norms
weakness- not a sole explanation
- other factors to consider
- e.g. ASPD distress to other people
- not sole tool for defining abnormality
deviation from social norms
weakness- cultural relativism
- social norms vary between generations and cultures
- e.g. hearing voices socially acceptable in some cultures but abnormal in UK
- homosexuality illegal in some cultures like Brunei (punishable by death)
- issues for those from one culture living within another culture group
deviation from social norms
weakness- human rights abuses
- can lead to systematic abuse of human rights
- diagnoses to maintain control over minority ethnic groups and women
- e.g. drapetomania (black slaves running away)
- social norms changed so seem bad now, but some modern categories could be considered this way in future
failure to function adequately
occurs when someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of day-to-day living e.g. hygiene and nurtrition, cannot maintain relationships etc.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989)
- cannot conform to interpersonal rules (e.g. personal space)
- severe personal distress
- irrational or dangerous behaviour (themselves or others)
failure to function adequately strength
- considers patient’s subjective experience as important
- difficult to assess distress but does capture perspective of those who need help
- useful criterion
failure to function adequately
weakness- social norms
- in practice hard to determine whether failing to function or deviating from social norms
- e.g. not having a job/personal address sign of failure to function. what about new age travellers?
- extreme sports maladaptive behaviour, spiritualists seen as irrational, etc.
- risks limiting personal freedom and discriminating against minority groups
failure to function adequately
weakness- subjective judgements
- an individual has to make subjective judgement on whether patient distressed. some may be ignored.
- methods for objectivity e.g. checklists like Global Assessment of Functioning Scale
- psychiatrist has right to make judgement. may lead to misdiagnosis/denial of treatment.
deviation from ideal mental health
occurs when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health
Jahoda (1958)
no symptoms/distress, rational/accurate self-perception, self-actualise, cope with stress, realistic worldview, good self-esteem/lack of guilt, independent, can successfully work love and enjoy leisure.
deviation from ideal mental health strength
- comprehensive definition
- covers most of reasons why someone would seek help (broad range of criteria)
- useful tool
