Definitions Of Abnormality

Question 1

What are the 4 definitions of abnormality

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Statistical infrequency definition

Answer 2

Occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic, for example being more depressed or less intelligent than most of the population

Question 3

Statistical infrequency example

Answer 3

IQ below 70%

Question 4

Statistical infrequency evaluation points- Real world application

Answer 4

STRENGTH

Useful in diagnosis (e.g IDD) and assessment (e.g. BDI for depression)

Question 5

Statistical infrequency evaluation points- Unusual characteristics can be positive

Answer 5

LIMITATION

Some unusual characteristics would not be judged abnormal e.g. High IQ

Question 6

Deviation from social norms definition

Answer 6

Concerns behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society

Question 7

Deviation from social norms example

Answer 7

Impulsive or aggressive behaviour isn’t socially acceptable

Question 8

Deviation from social norms evaluation points- Real world application

Answer 8

STRENGTH

Used to diagnose some disorders e.g. antisocial and schizotypal personality disorder

Question 9

Deviation from social norms evaluation points- Cultural and situational relativism

Answer 9

LIMITATION

Different standards, therefore hard to make social judgements (e.g hearing voices)

Question 10

Failure to function adequately definition

Answer 10

Occurs when someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of day to day living

Question 11

Failure to function adequately example

Answer 11

Failing to function is part of the diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder as well as a low IQ

Question 12

Failure to function adequately evaluation points- Represents a threshold for help

Answer 12

STRENGTH

Provides a way to identify when someone needs professional help

Question 13

Failure to function adequately evaluation points- Discrimination and social control

Answer 13

LIMITATION

May lead to people living non-standard lifestyles being judged as abnormal

Question 14

Deviation from ideal mental health definition

Answer 14

Occurs when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health

Question 15

Deviation from ideal mental health example

Answer 15

Includes lack of symptoms, rationality, self- actualisation, coping with stress, realistic world-view

Question 16

Deviation from ideal mental health evaluation points- May be culture bound

Answer 16

LIMITATION

Some ideas e.g self-actualisation are specific to western cultures, and independence varies within Western cultures (Germany vs Italy)

Question 17

Deviation from ideal mental health evaluation points- A comprehensive definition

Answer 17

STRENGTH

Includes most of the reasons anyone might seek help