Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards
Definition 1 - Statistical infrequency
This states that human behaviour is abnormal if it is statistically rare our outside the range which is typical for most people. Researchers and government agencies tend to collect data and statistics on what is usual or normal so we can also calculate behaviours that are less frequent and label these as abnormal.
Most aspects of human behaviour can be displayed on a normal distribution curve so we can easily see where ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ fall. On a normal distribution curve less than 5% of the population will be found at plus or minus 2 standard deviations so any behaviours falling into these points are statistically rare. By this definition we would say they were abnormal.
Example of statistical infrequency - IQ and intellectual disability disorder
We know that in any human characteristic, the majority of peoples scores will cluster around the average, and that the further we go above or below that average, the fewer people that will attain that score. This is called normal distribution. The average IQ is set at 100. Most people (68%) have an IQ in the range of 85 to 115. Only 2.5% of people have a score below 70. Those individuals who score below 70 are very unusual or ‘abnormal’ , and are liable to receive a diagnosis of a psychological disorder intellectual disability disorder. Equally the 2.5% at the other end of the spectrum that are classed as genius, would also be categorised as abnormal due to this definition.
Evaluation of Statistical Infrequency- Cut off point
P- it is useful sometimes to have a consensus on where a cut off point between normal and abnormal is.
E- anorexics have to weigh less than 85% of recommended body weight before they can be diagnosed
L- This is a strength because a measurable criterion means that psychiatrists have agreed cut off to use, which is more objective
Evaluation of Statistical Infrequency- Sometimes Appropriate
P- in some situations it is appropriate to use a statistical criterion to define abnormality
E- intellectual disability is defined in terms of the normal distribution and there is a cut off point. Any individual whos IQ is more than 2 standard deviations below the mean is judged as having a mental disorder, however such a diagnosis is only made in conjunction with failure to function adequately.
L- this is a strength because for certain circumstances there is an objective way of diagnosing a disorder.
Evaluation of Statistical Infrequency- Some unusual characteristics can be positive
P- people with an IQ above 150 points are very rare and shouldn’t be classed as abnormal, certainly not in need of treatment. The definition seems inadequate when desirable behaviours are rare.
E- If you had an IQ of 70 or lower you are statistically rare and would need help because of your learning difficulties.
L- This is a weakness because it does not distinguish between desirable and undesirable qualities and so cannot be relied on to provide a conclusive definition of abnormality.
Evaluation of Statistical Infrequency- Not desirable
P- some normal or statistically frequent behaviours are not desirable
E- depression and anxiety are mental illnesses that occur in the population in large numbers and are the most commonly diagnosed. 1 in 4 people in the UK experience mental health problems each year
L- this is a weakness because in terms of statistical infrequency criterion they are not abnormal because they are not rare, yet are in need of treatment and support
Definition 2- Deviation from social norms
This takes the view that abnormality can be measured by how far a persons behaviour deviates ( moves away) from the socially accepted norms or values of their society.
Norms are the ‘unwritten’ and sometimes unstated rules of how we should behave if we want to be accepted by our social society.
This approach allows abnormality to be understood in terms of what is desirable and undesirable in society.
If the individual is deviant, then they can be classed as abnormal.
Deviation from social norms example- Anti social personality disorder
A person with anti social personality disorder is impulsive, aggressive and irresponsible. According to DSM-5 (list of what a diagnosis for condition is) one important symptom is “absence of prosocial internal standards associated with failure to conform to lawful or culturally normative ethical behaviour”.
Making social judgement that a psychopath is abnormal because they don’t conform to our moral standards.
Psychopathic behaviour would be considered abnormal in a very wide range of cultures.
Evaluation of Deviation from social norms- Not all behaviour is abnormal
P- not all behaviour that deviates from a social norm is also psychologically abnormal
E- youth movements with intentionally “shocking” dress codes eg goths - deviate from social norms but they do not need psychological help
L- this is a weakness because most socially deviant behaviour does not indicate psychological abnormality
Evaluation of deviation from social norms- socially unacceptable behaviour is promoted
P- behaviour that is deviant is socially unacceptable for the rest of us
E- individuals who are aggressive and impulsive
L- This is a strength because the social deviancy model also takes into account the effect behaviour has on others.
Definition 3- deviation from ideal mental health
Uses the idea that normal mental health can be defined like normally physical health- set of criteria can be established to measure ideal mental health- absence of these criteria will indicate abnormality.
Marie Jahonda (58) suggested 6 criteria that would constitute ideal mental health - suggested in order to be classified as normal you must possess all 6
1) self attitudes- having high self esteem and sense of identity
2) personal growth and self actualisation- the extent to which an individual develops their full capabilities
3) integration- being able to cope with stressful situations
4) autonomy- being independent and self regulating
5) having an accurate perception of reality
6) mastery of the environment- including ability to love, function at work and in interpersonal relationships, adjust to new situations and solve problems
Evaluation of the ideal mental health definition- comprehensive definition
P- it covers a broad range of criteria. in fact it covers most reasons why people may seek out mental health services.
E- for example how someone views themselves and how accurate their perception of reality is.
L- this is a strength because it is a useful tool for thinking about mental health.
Evaluation of ideal mental health definition - difficult to achieve
P- the fact that these are ideals makes them difficult for most people to achieve.
E- For example 6/6 is very ambitious and the majority of the population will struggle to gain 6 on a daily basis
L- This is a weakness as by these standards most people would be defined as abnormal. So we would have a situation where we have more abnormal people than normal
Definition 4 - failure to function adequately
-this identifies abnormality by examining the individuals thoughts and behaviours from their own point of view - it assumes that we can recognise that we have stopped living a ‘normal life’- this could mean that we have stopped experiencing a normal range of emotions or we are no participating in our normal behaviours- leads to an inability to cope with life, work and relationships
- they have stopped functioning normally and have reached a point of dysfunction or abnormality
Rosenhan and Seligman (89)- suggested that the concept of dysfunction could include the following- more of these present- more the individual is showing psychological and behavioural abnormality
- personal distress - depression and anxiety disorders are common features of personal distress- distress is main symptom of depression and can be experienced as intense unhappiness, sleep loss, constant tiredness
- dysfunctional or maladaptive behaviour-stops an individual from attaining satisfactory personal and social goals- eg alcoholism is dysfunctional if it stops someone from holding a job
- if a persons behaviour does not appear to make any sense or they are unable to communicate with others- if they are behaving in a way that is unclear- displaying a failure to function- eg speech of many schizophrenic patients is bizarre and disjointed and impossible to follow rationally
