Definitions of abnormality

Question 1

What are the 4 definitions of abnormality?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What is a social norm?

Answer 2

A rule for behaviour based on moral standards?

Question 3

How does someone deviate from social norms?

Answer 3

When they behave in a way that is different from what is expected (social norms), then they would be considered abnormal.

Question 4

Give an example of deviation from social norms

Answer 4

OCD - someone may have an obsession with germs and a compulsion to wash their hands. However, they will do this hundreds of times and not be able to live a normal life. Therefore, they aren’t fitting in with what society would expect of them.

Question 5

Describe failure to function adequately

Answer 5

When an individual’s behaviour will interfere in their functioning and so they can’t meet the demands of day to day life e.g. holding down a job, hygiene etc.

Question 6

Who came up with signs that indicate failure to function adequately?

Answer 6

Rosenham and Seligman (1989)

Question 7

What did Rosenham and Seligman do?

Answer 7

Identified signs that indicate failure to function adequately. The more signs we have, the more abnormal we would be.

Question 8

What signs did Rosenham and Seligman identify that indicate failure to function adequately?

Answer 8

• Do not conform to interpersonal rules e.g. maintaining personal space
• Experience personal distress
• Irrational/dangerous behaviours (to themselves and/or others)
• causes observer discomfort (i.e. uncomfortable to witness)

Question 9

Give an example of failing to function adequately

Answer 9

Depression
Someone with depression might not do things they used to do before e.g. getting out of bed, going to work. Therefore, it is interfering with their functioning. This may lead them to experience personal distress. It may also cause discomfort e.g. upset for friends and relatives (the observers).

Question 10

What is statistical infrequency?

Answer 10

This model argues that behaviours that are statistically rare should be seen as abnormal. Anything that falls out of 2 standard deviation away from the mean.

Question 11

How is something decided to be statistically rare?

Answer 11

What is regarded as statistically rare depends on normal distribution. Most people will be around the mean value for behaviour in question but any individual who falls out the “normal distribution” (usually about 3% of the population) are perceived to be abnormal.

Question 12

Give an example of statistical infrequency

Answer 12

IQ
IQ is normally distributed - average IQ is 100. Most people have an IQ between 85-115, only 2% have a score below 70. Score below 70 is seen as statistically rare = abnormal and can be diagnosed with intellectual ability disorder (mental retardation).

Question 13

Describe deviation from mental health

Answer 13

Sets out criteria for mental health.

Question 14

Who suggested the criteria for the ideal mental health?

Answer 14

Marie Jahoda

Question 15

Hoe many criteria for the ideal mental health did Jahoda suggest?

Answer 15

8 criteria

Question 16

List the 8 criteria Marie Jahoda suggested for the ideal mental health

Answer 16

• We have no distress/symptoms
• We are rational/have an accurate perception of self
• We can self actualise (reach potential)
• We can cope with stress
• We have a realistic view of the world
• We have good self esteem and lack guilt
• We are independent
• We can successfully work, love and enjoy our leisure

Question 17

How many of Jahoda’s 8 criteria for ideal mental health would you have to be missing to be classed as abnormal?

Answer 17

1

Question 18

Give an example of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 18

Depression

Would have irrational self-perception, and not cope with stress and unrealistic view of the world etc.