Definitions Of Abnormality Flashcards
DSN =
Deviation from Social Norms.
FFA =
Failure to Function Adequately.
SI =
Statistical Infrequency.
DIMH =
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health.
What is abnormality?
There is no singular definition for abnormality.
What is psychopathology?
The study of abnormal thoughts, behaviours and feelings.
What does “psycho” mean?
Mind.
What does “Pathology” mean?
Disease.
What did Szasz (1972) say about abnormality?
He said that there is no such thing as abnormality (only problems with living).
What is deviation from societal norms (DSN)?
-Society ‘drawing a line’ between acceptable and unacceptable behaviours.
-Based on the group’s general consensus.
-Unwritten laws that change over time (not illegal).
-Norms can be different culturally.
What is an example of deviation from societal norms (DSN)?
Talking to yourself in public. Causes other members of society to question their behaviour (seeing it as a sign of mental illness).
Evaluation of deviation from societal norms (DSN):
-Societal norms are subjective (based on the opinions of the ruling elite). Szasz (1960) sees the term ‘mental illness’ as a form of societal control.
-The norms defined by society change over time as social attitudes change. Until 1973, homosexuality in the USA was deemed a mental disorder.
-The definition establishes development norms (what behaviours are normal at different ages). Filling a nappy is normal at age 2, but not at age 40.
What is statistical infrequency (SI)?
-Behaviour is abnormal if it is statistically unusual.
-The characteristics are less typical.
-This definition focuses on the quantity of the behaviour (rather than the quality).
What is an example of statistical infrequency (SI)?
IQ. 100IQ is the average. < 70IQ (an undesirable trait) or > 140IQ (desirable trait) is abnormal (statistically unusual).
Evaluation of statistical infrequency (SI):
-Once data has been collected and a ‘cut off’ point is established, it becomes an objective way of defining abnormality.
-It doesn’t consider cultural differences, as behaviours that may be SI in one culture by be more normal in another.
-Some abnormal behaviours may not always be infrequent. 1 in 5 UK residents will experience depression (rate of 20%), making it normal under the definition.
What is deviation from ideal mental health (DIMH)?
-Anyone who fails to meet the criteria of JAHODA (1958).
What is the acronym of Jahoda’s criteria?
P.R.A.I.S.E.
What does P mean in Jahoda’s criteria?
Personal growth (self-actualisation).
What does R mean in Jahoda’s criteria?
Reality perception (know what’s real).
What does A mean in Jahoda’s criteria?
Autonomy (independence).
What does I mean in Jahoda’s criteria?
Integration (‘fit in’ with society).
What does S mean in Jahoda’s criteria?
Self-attitudes (positive, self-esteem).
What does E mean in Jahoda’s criteria?
Environmental mastery (adapting to change).
Evaluation of deviation from ideal mental health (DIMH):
-Criteria is over-demanding, as most people can’t meet all six criteria at the same time.
-The criteria is culturally relative due to its individualistic features, and can’t apply to more collectivist cultures.
-This definition emphasises positivity (in terms of achievements) rather than failure (undesirable characteristics).
What is failure to function adequately (FFA)?
-The inability to deal with demands of everyday life.
-Behaviour is maladaptive [can’t adapt].
-Abnormal people may not be able to perform the necessary behaviours of everyday living (e.g. hold down a job).
What is failure to function adequately (FFA) measured with?
Global Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF).
What is the global assessment of functioning scale (GAF)?
An assessment that rates the level of psychological functioning.
Starts with a score of 100 and loses 1 for every symptom.
Evaluation for failure to function adequately (FFA):
-Ideas relating to functioning adequately are culturally relative, as the standards of one culture can’t be used to judge the behaviour of one of another culture.
-Objective: the definition assesses degree of abnormality as the GAF is scored on a continuous scale.
