Definitions Of Abnormality

Question 1

Strength of DSN

Answer 1

P: Has real life applications in the diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder
E: Mental health practitioners can look ag what is deemed acceptable within society ans use those cultural and social norms to diagnose abnormal behaviour
E: Eg an individual who engages in truant behaviour, lacks remorse, or engages in repeated illegal acts is deviating from social norms and this behaviour would be unexpected within society. These behaviours can be used by practioners to judge whether an individual is displaying abnornal behaviour and therefore diagnosed with APD.
L: Therefore DSN is a useful definituin when differentiating between normal and abnornal behaviour.

Question 2

Limitation of DSN

Answer 2

P: Social normas are created within a culture
E: Argued DSN is limited by cultural relativism. Different cultures have different social norms and expectations of behaviour
E: Eg in a western culture, someone receiving messages sent from spirits could be seens as a symptoms of schizophrenia whereas in a non western culture it could be classed as a spiritual gift
L: Therefore may not be appropriate to use DSN to define Abnormality outside of a specific culture