Definitions Of Abnormality

Question 1

Deviation from social norms

Answer 1

Behaviour which violates social norms

Question 2

What is a social norm

Answer 2

Unwritten rules which determin correct behaviour in a society

Question 3

Example of a social norm

Answer 3

Norms of dress for ages and events

Question 4

Limitations of Deviation from social norms

Answer 4

-Cultural norm may not be desirable- standing against something they disagree with
-Culturally specific- hearing voices is normal in some cultures
-Subjective

Question 5

What is failure to function adequately

Answer 5

When an individual cannot cope with everyday life, causes distress leading to dysfunction

Question 6

Characteristics for FFA (rosenham)

Answer 6

-Maladaptive behaviour
-Personal distress
-Observer discomfort
-Irrational behaviour
-Unpredictable behaviour
-Doesn’t maintain standard interpersonal rules

Question 7

Limitations of FFA

Answer 7

-Abnormality not always paired with dysfunction- psychopaths
-Doesn’t always cause distress to others- naked rambler
-Cultural biases- ‘normal’ varies.

Question 8

What is deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 8

Abnormality defined by not having the characteristics associated with ideal mental health

Question 9

Factors for optimal living (deviation from ideal mental health-Jahoda)

Answer 9

-Positive and accurate view of self
-Personal development
-Autonomy
-Accurate view of reality
-Resistance to stress
-Environmental mastery

Question 10

Limitations of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 10

-Overdemanding criteria (Not everyone has all those factors but that doesn’t mean they are abnormal)
-culture bound (western)
-Not opperationalised criteria- hard to define and measure

Question 11

statistical infrequency

Answer 11

Mathematical method to define abnormality. The 5% of the population who fall more than two standard deviations from the mean.

Question 12

limitations of statistical infrequency

Answer 12

-Arbitrary cut off points- IQ of 70 is normal but 69 is not.
-Ignores desirability of behaviour- IQ above 130 is abnormal but not seen as abnormal as a low one
-Statistically frequent disorders- depression is 1/20 adults in the UK

Question 13

Strengths of Deviation from social norms

Answer 13

Useful to diagnose schizotypical behaviour- e.g hearing voices

Question 14

Strengths of FFA

Answer 14

Criteria helps to identify people who need help rather than general stress

Question 15

Strengths of deviation from MH

Answer 15

Jahodas tool is useful and practical for diagnosis

Question 16

Strength of statistical infrequence

Answer 16

Useful for diagnosis- IQ disorders require IQ to be in the bottom 2%, useful for clinical diagnoses