Definitions Of Abnormality Flashcards
Statistical infrequency
- Occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic
- for example being more depressed or less intelligent than most of the population
Deviation from the social norms
-Sees any behaviour which differs from that which society expects as abnormal
- these are passed on through socialisation. Any behaviour which breaks these rules is seen as abnormal
Failure to function adequately
Abnormality judged as inability to deal with the demands of everyday living
Deviation from ideal mental health
Absence of signs of good mental health used to judge abnormality
Problem with deviation from social norms definition
Social norms depend on culture and this can change over time or cultures
Indicators of failure to function adequately
- own personal distress and anxiety
- causes distress for others (observer discomfort)
- stops them from working
- stops them from being hygienic
- causing themselves or others harm
- behaviour is maladaptive, irrational, or dangerous
Jahoda (1958) criteria for deviation from ideal mental health
- accurate perception of reality
- positive attitude to him/herself (self-esteem)
- self actualisation - reach potential
- resistance to stress
- environmental mastery
- be independent of the other people (autonomy)
A lack of cultural relativism =
Ethnocentric
Individualistic culture
Where they put the self as more important than others/groups
Collectivist culture
Where the groups needs come above their own needs
Limitation of statistical infrequency
Doesn’t help distinguish between desirable & undesirable behaviours
Strength of statistical infrequency
Appropriate measure in certain circumstances
Limitation of deviation from social norms
Social norms change over time
Strength of deviation from the social norms
Does distinguish between desirable & undesirable behaviours
Limitation of failure to function adequately
Requires an objective judgement of a way to live
Strength of failure to function adequately
Takes into account the patients subjective perspective
Limitation of deviation from the ideal mental health
Sets high standards of mental health —> might not be achievable
Strength of deviation from ideal mental health
Focuses on the positives not the negatives
Does Jahoda focus on positives or negatives
Positives (positive attitudes)
Cultural relativism
The idea that one cannot judge behaviour properly unless it is viewed in the cultural context from which it originated
Strength for statistical deviation
It is an appropriate measure in certain circumstances
Limitations for statistical deviation
- lack of cultural relativism
- doesn’t help distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviours
Strength for deviation from social norms
Appropriate because it distinguishes between desirable and undesirable behaviours
Limitations for deviation from social norms
- lack of cultural relativism
- social norms over time change, therefore not being consistent across time
