Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards
What is Statistical infrequency?
Defines “normal” behaviour in typical values e.g. mean, median, mode. If we can decide what is the most common behaviour then we know which behaviours are unusual. For example, it is not the norm to have your first baby under 20 or over 40.
What is deviation from social norms?
Abnormal behaviour is seen as a deviation from unstated rules about how one should behave. Anything that violates these rules is considered abnormal.
Evaluation of statistical infrequency in terms of cultural relativism.
Statistically frequent behaviours in one culture may be statistically frequent in another for example hearing voices od loved ones who have passed away is considered desirable in some cultures but in western society is considered a characteristic of schizophrenia. This means that there are no universal standards or rules for labelling a behaviour as abnormal.
Evaluation in terms of the fact that statistical infrequency is sometimes appropriate.
In some situations it is appropriate to use a statistical criterion to define abnormality. Intellectual disability is defined in terms of normal distribution using the concept of standard deviation to establish a cut off point for abnormality. Any individual whose IQ is more than 2 standard deviations below the mean is judged as having a mental disorder. However such diagnosis is only made in conjunction with other definitions such as failure to function adequately. This suggests that perhaps statisctal infrequency may not be able to be used alone to define abnormality but is apart of a number of tools involved.
Evaluation of deviation from social norms in terms of cultural relativism.
Social norms vary from one culture to another. What is considered socially acceptable in one culture may not be in another. (ideas of personal space differ between cultures). There are dangers of being ethnocentric with this definition (assumption that your own culture is the norm and any deviation from this indicates abnormality) DSM makes reference to different cultural behaviours e.g. panic attacks may be uncontrollable crying in some cultures but difficulty in breathing is the primary symptom in others.
Strengths of deviation from social norms
Distinguishes between desirable and undesirable behaviours. Takes into account the effect behaviour has on others. Deviance is defined in terms of transgression of social rules and social rules are established in order to help people live together. According to this definition abnormal behaviour is behaviour that damages others. Therefore, this offers a practical and useful way of identifying undesirable and potentially damaging behaviour.
What is failure to function adequately?
People are judged on there ability to go about daily life. if they can’t do this and are also experiencing distress then it is considered a sign of abnormality.
What is deviation from ideal mental health?
Abnormality is defined in terms of mental health, behaviours that are associated with competence snd happiness. Ideal mental health would include a positive attitude towards the self, resistance to stress and an accurate perception of reality.
Evaluation of failure to function adequately in terms of cultural relativism.
Definitions of adequate functioning are related to cultural ideas of how one should live. The ‘failure to function’ criterion is likely to result in different diagnosis when applied to people from different cultures because the standard of one culture is being used to measure another. This may explain, for example why lower class, non white people are more often diagnosed with mental disorders. This means that the use of this model is limited by its cultural relativism.
Evaluation of failure to function adequately in terms of the fact that the subjective experience is recognised.
Allows us to view the mental disorder from the pov of the patient. In addition failure to function adequately is also relatively easy to judge objectively we can list behaviours (and WHODAS scale) and thus judge abnormality objectively. therefore this definition has a certain sensitivity and practicality.
Evaluation for deviation from ideal mental health in terms of cultural relativism.
The goal of reaching self- actualisation is relevent to members of individualist cultures but not collectivist cultures where people promote the needs of the group not themselves. If jahoda’s criteria was applied to those of collectivist cultures we will most probably find a higher incidence of abnormality.
