Definitions Of Abnormality

Question 1

DSN =

Answer 1

Deviation from Social Norms.

Question 2

FFA =

Answer 2

Failure to Function Adequately.

Question 3

SI =

Answer 3

Statistical Infrequency.

Question 4

DIMH =

Answer 4

Deviation from Ideal Mental Health.

Question 5

What is abnormality?

Answer 5

There is no singular definition for abnormality.

Question 6

What is psychopathology?

Answer 6

The study of abnormal thoughts, behaviours and feelings.

Question 7

What does “psycho” mean?

Answer 7

Mind.

Question 8

What does “Pathology” mean?

Answer 8

Disease.

Question 9

What did Szasz (1972) say about abnormality?

Answer 9

He said that there is no such thing as abnormality (only problems with living).

Question 10

What is deviation from societal norms (DSN)?

Answer 10

-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.

Question 11

What is an example of deviation from societal norms (DSN)?

Answer 11

Talking to yourself in public. Causes other members of society to question their behaviour (seeing it as a sign of mental illness).

Question 12

Evaluation of deviation from societal norms (DSN):

Answer 12

-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.

Question 13

What is statistical infrequency (SI)?

Answer 13

-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).

Question 14

What is an example of statistical infrequency (SI)?

Answer 14

IQ. 100IQ is the average. < 70IQ (an undesirable trait) or > 140IQ (desirable trait) is abnormal (statistically unusual).

Question 15

Evaluation of statistical infrequency (SI):

Answer 15

-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.

Question 16

What is deviation from ideal mental health (DIMH)?

Answer 16

-Anyone who fails to meet the criteria of JAHODA (1958).

Question 17

What is the acronym of Jahoda’s criteria?

Answer 17

P.R.A.I.S.E.

Question 18

What does P mean in Jahoda’s criteria?

Answer 18

Personal growth (self-actualisation).

Question 19

What does R mean in Jahoda’s criteria?

Answer 19

Reality perception (know what’s real).

Question 20

What does A mean in Jahoda’s criteria?

Answer 20

Autonomy (independence).

Question 21

What does I mean in Jahoda’s criteria?

Answer 21

Integration (‘fit in’ with society).

Question 22

What does S mean in Jahoda’s criteria?

Answer 22

Self-attitudes (positive, self-esteem).

Question 23

What does E mean in Jahoda’s criteria?

Answer 23

Environmental mastery (adapting to change).

Question 24

Evaluation of deviation from ideal mental health (DIMH):

Answer 24

-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).

Question 25

What is failure to function adequately (FFA)?

Answer 25

-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).

Question 26

What is failure to function adequately (FFA) measured with?

Answer 26

Global Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF).

Question 27

What is the global assessment of functioning scale (GAF)?

Answer 27

An assessment that rates the level of psychological functioning.
Starts with a score of 100 and loses 1 for every symptom.

Question 28

Evaluation for failure to function adequately (FFA):

Answer 28

-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.