Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards
What is Statistical Infrequency?
Any relatively usual behaviour can be thought of as normal, and any behaviour that is unusual is abnormal. An example of this is IQ, if you have a statistically low IQ then you can be diagnosed with intellectual disability disorder.
What is the strength of Statistical Infrequency?
Its usefulness in clinical practice - IDD requires an IQ below 70. Another is the Beck Depression Inventory - it represents a threshold for help.
What is the limitation of Statistical Infrequency?
Unusual characteristics can be positive - for everyone with an IQ below 70 there is someone with an IQ above 130, or for everyone with a very high score on the BDI there is someone with almost no depressive symptoms. This means that it cannot be the sole basis for defining abnormality.
What is Deviation From Social Norms?
A group of people choose to define behaviour as abnormal on the basis that it offends their sense of what is acceptable. These norms are specific to the culture we live in. For example, homosexuality is now illegal in Brunei and Uganda but would not be unusual here.
What is the limitation of Deviation From Social Norms?
Cultural relativism - the variability between different social norms means that a behaviour that may be acceptable in another culture may be inappropriate here.
What is Failure to Function Adequately?
Rosenhan and Seligman proposed 3 criteria for this:
- When a person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules..
- When a person experiences severe personal distress
- When behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous
What is the strength of Failure to Function Adequately?
Represents a threshold for help - it tends to be at the point where symptoms are at their worst that we fail to function that people seek professional help or are referred by others. This means treatments and services can be targeted to those who need them most.
What is the limitation of Failure to Function Adequately?
Discrimination and social control - people like base jumpers or those who live off-grid may be seen as acting unreasonably, irrationally and at a danger to themselves. This means that those who live unusual lives are at risk of being labelled abnormal.
What is Deviation from Ideal Mental Health?
Jahoda (1958)
- No symptoms or distress
- We are rational and have accurate self-perception
- We self-actualise
- We cope with stress
- We have a realistic world view
- We have good self-esteem and lack guilt
What is a strength of Deviation from Ideal Mental Health?
A comprehensive definition - it includes a range of criteria for distinguishing mental health from mental disorder. This means an individual’s mental health can be properly discussed with reference to different categories. This means this definition provides a checklist which we can assess ourselves.
What is the limitation of Deviation from Ideal Mental Health?
May be culture bound - those from collectivist cultures may not be interested in self-actualisation or personal independence.
