definitions of abnormality Flashcards
define statistical infrequency
-abnormal behavior is statistically infrequent behavior, cut of point for what is considered abnormal
-individual characteristics are measured
-uses normal distribution curve
-assumed that 95% of the population demonstrate ‘normal’ behavior
strengths of statistical infrequency
it is an objective way of measuring abnormality as the data is quantative. It is useful for measurable characteristics such as intelligence that can be measured quantitavely. Definition isn’t biased and isn’t subject to interpretation
weaknesses of statistical infrequency
- difficult to find a cut off point of what is considered abnormal. If a person is just below a cut off point can we just classify them as abnormal? Suggests the definition is rigid and inflexible
- the definition doesn’t take into account what is desirable and undesirable behavior. A genius is statistically abnormal but would not be considered abnormal in society as it is a positive characteristic. The term abnormality has negative connotations and would not be fair to see rare and desirable characteristics as abnormal
-people may be statistically abnormal but lead happy lives, so should we label them as abnormal? This definition ignores the fact that some people may be happy to be statistically deviating from the average. Therefore it is not an adequate definition of abnormality - some disorders occur frequently but are not seen as abnormal in society. Disorders such as depression are statistically frequent but are still considered abnormal, therefore this definition does not explain why some behaviours are labelled by society as abnormal even if they statistically frequent
explain deviation from social norms
- abnormality is behaviour that is inappropriate for a specific situation
- could be socially unacceptable behaviour, morally unacceptable behaviour or legally unacceptable behaviour
- may vary across culture
- influenced by: age, gender, historical context, situation/context, culture
strength of deviation from social norms
the definition does distinguish form desirable and undesirable behaviours which is better than the statistical definition. It takes into account the effect of abnormal behaviours on others and provides a set of rules so society can live together
weaknesses deviation from social norms
- doesn’t take into account situational and developmental norms such as being naked in a shopping mall would be considered abnormal but on a nudist beach this would be regarded as the situational norm. Therefore the definition doesn’t take into account other factors to deciding what behaviour is abnormal
-the context and degree of behaviour is ignored. Someone wearing no clothes on the beach would not be considered abnormal, yet someone wearing no clothes in a supermarket would be considered abnormal. Therefore one must consider the context surrounding the behaviour to then be able to decide whether it is abnormal.
-The definition is culturally relative. The DSM is mainly based on western societies. This is a problem because what might be the social norm in one culture might not be the social norm in another. This could problems with cultures living together. It also leads to more diagnoses of mental illnesses with people from ethnic minorities - another negative is that social norms change over time. Homosexuality used to be classifies as a mental health disorder until the 1960’s. Attitudes have changed and therefore what is considered to be abnormal is dependent on current attitudes in society. This shows this definition is not consistent over time.
- behaviour deviating from social norms may not indicate psychopathology. Deviation may be a sign of eccentricity as opposed to psychopathology.
explain failure to function adequately
- abnormality is characterised by not being able to cope
- as soon as mental health disorders interferes with day-to-day functioning, one would be considered abnormal.
- causes distress to the persona nd observer
strengths of failure to function
it does take into account subject experience of the individual. It therefore captures the experience of many people who need help. Suggests its a useful way of measuring abnormality
weaknesses of failure to function
- context and the degree of behaviour is ignored. Starving oneself for religious reasons would not be considered inadequate functioning, whereas refusing to eat on a day-to-day basis would be maladaptive. This therefore isn’t a full explanation
-behaviours may not be due to a psychological disorder. Other reasons such as economic factors or prejudice and discrimination may make it difficult to find a job. In such instances behaviour would not be due to poor mental health and the definition doesn’t take this into account. Alternatively individuals may function adequately but have poor mental health. Highly anxious or depressed individuals may appear to function- maintaining their job and daily routine. the definition would therefore not identify abnormality in such individuals
-one issue relates to cultural relativity. Spending all your time with family and not going out may be seen as failure to function adequately in the uk but in places like collectivist cultures, may be seen as fine. Since there are no universal standards regarding the classification of abnormality, the context of culture must be considered
-behaviours identifies may be actually normal. Many people engage in behaviour that is maladaptive or harmful to themselves such as playing adrenaline sports or consuming alcohol. Such individuals are not seen as abnormal
explain deviation form ideal mental health
-Jahoda (1978) suggests that like physical health, mental health should be characterised by looking at absences of signs of good health:
-good attitude- having high self esteem and a strong sense of identity
-personal growth and self- actulisation- motivation to develop full capabilities and achieve ones potential goals
-integration- being able to cope with stressful situations
-autonomy- being independent and self-regulating, taking responsibility for ones actions
-environmental mastery- the ability to love, function at work and interpersonal relationships and adjust to new situations
-perception of reality- have an accurate perception on reality without being overly pessimistic or optimistic
-absence of criteria would indicate abnormality
strengths of deviation from ideal mental health
comprehensive definition with a broad range of criteria. It covers most reasons someone would seek help form mental health services
weaknesses of deviation form ideal mental health
- one limitation relates to cultural differences/relativism, referring to the idea that abnormal behaviours will vary between cultures. For instance. autonomy and self actulisation would not be evident in collectivist cultures, in which there is not focus on independent goals yet there would be no sign of poor health. therefore it isn’t a full explanation if poor health
-many people would not fill out the criteria outlined and so by definition would be classified as abnormal. As it is unclear how far a person would have to deviate from ideal mental health. it may not be a useful way to define abnormality.
-Absences of certain signs of ‘ideal mental health’ may actually be helpful, for example, experiencing some levels of stress can motivate individuals and may help improve individuals performance. Therefore may not indicate poor mental health.
-It does not seem an appropriate way of defining abnormality in children, demonstrates an age bias, eg children won’t be independent. This could be an issue as children also suffer form mental health issues and would not help to diagnose such cases. Doesn’t take into account certain groups in the population. - too simplistic to diagnose mental health in the same way as physical health, symptoms of an underlying issue may be more tricky to detect. May be helpful to look for signs of poor health
