Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards
Define Deviation from Social Norms as a definition of abnormality (3 marks)
DSN suggests that standards of acceptable behaviour are set by a social group. These could be explicit (laws) or implicit (unwritten rules). Anything that deviates from acceptable behaviour is considered abnormal. For examples, individuals with OCD may bring their own cutlery to restaurants due to fear of contamination so would be seen as abnormal
Discuss deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality
(2 X AO3)
One weakness of deviation from social norms as a definition for abnormality is that social norms are created within a culture. It can therefore be argued that deviation from social norms is limited by cultural relativism. Different cultures have different social norms and expectations of behaviour, for example, in a western culture, someone receiving messages sent from spirits could be seen as a symptom of Schizophrenia, whereas in a non western culture, these signs could be classed as a spiritual gift. Therefore, it may not be appropriate to use DSN to define abnormality outside of a specific culture.
However, a strength of deviations from Social Norms as a definition of abnormality is that it differentiates between desirable and undesirable behaviour within a culture. This definition categorises abnormality based on social norms within a culture. This is unlike Statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality, which suggests that if your behaviour is not typical then you are abnormal even though this behaviour could be desirable within a culture such as having a very high IQ. Therefore, deviation from social norms may be a more appropriate definition of abnormality because it allows us to understand behaviour in context.
Outline Failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality (3 marks)
FFA involves not being able to cope with the demands of everyday life. It looks at abnormal behaviour that interferes with everyday life. Rosenhan and Seligman state that signs of a person failing to function adequately include: maladaptive behaviour, irrational behaviour, and severe personal distress. For example, someone with depression may be unable too get up in the morning so shows that they have an inability to cope with the demands of everyday life.
Discuss failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality (2 x AO3)
One strength of failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality is “failing to cope with the demands of everyday life” can be used as a measure for when people should seek professional help. According to the mental health charity ‘Mind’, around 48% of people in the UK will experience a mental health problem at some point of their life, however most people press on despite failing to function adequately. If it is noticed that people are ‘failing to function adequately’, treatment and services can be targeted to those who need it most, meaning failure to function adequately could be a useful measure when defining abnormality because people can receive early intervention for their mental health.
However, whilst it is easier to identify who is not coping day-to-day, a weakness of failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality is that it is easy to label non-standard lifestyle choices as abnormal. It can be very hard to say when someone is really failing to function adequately and when they have simply chosen to deviate away from social norms. An example of this may be those who favour high risk leisure activities or unusual spiritual practices could be classed unreasonably as irrational and perhaps a danger to themselves and therefore abnormal. Therefore, this is a limitation of FFA as a definition of abnormality as people who make unusual choices are at risk of being labelled abnormal and their freedom of choice may therefore be restricted.
Outline Deviation from ideal mental health as a definition of abnormality (3 marks)
Jahoda says that there are six criteria that define mental healthiness. Failure to meet one or more of these criteria would suggest an abnormality. The more of the criteria they fail to meet, the more abnormal they are. The criteria includes self actualisation, self attitudes, resistance to stress and mastery of environment. It also includes reality which is having an accurate perception of the real world, also autonomy which is being independent and self regulating.
Discuss deviation from ideal mental health as a definition of abnormality (2 X AO3)
One strength of ideal mental health as a definition of abnormality is that this definition is vastly different to the other definitions as it takes a positive approach to defining abnormality. This is because it focuses on the characteristics that make up normal behaviour that distinguish mental health from abnormality, rather than those characteristics that makes an individual abnormal. Having a more positive approach to mental health disorders may reduce the stigma that can surround mental health, making it more likely for people suffering to seek help and advice. Therefore, deviation from ideal mental health may be a more appropriate way than the other definitions to define abnormality.
Despite DIMH being a more positive approach to define abnormality, Deviation from ideal mental health has a strict criteria strict criterion (Jahoda’s six categories). People may not be able to realistically meet all six characteristics at any one time. For example, an individual who has lost their job may not be able to cope with the stressful situation and would be classed as abnormal by this definition. Therefore, limiting the use of deviation from ideal mental health as a definition of abnormality.
Outline statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality (3 marks)
Statistical infrequency suggests that we must look at behaviours that are typical of the population. Any behaviour which is rare is abnormal. Therefore on a distribution curve, any behaviour that is two or more standard deviations away from the mean is statistically rare and abnormal. For example, OCD affects 2% of the population so is statistically rare and therefore abnormal.
Discuss statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality
(2 X AO3)
A strength of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality is that it has practical applications. This is because statistical infrequency is used in the real world in clinical practice, both as part of diagnosis and as a way to assess the severity of an individual’s symptoms. For example, a diagnosis of intellectual disability disorders requires an IQ of below 70. An example of where SI is used as an assessment took is in Beck’s depression inventory where a score of 30+ is widely interpreted as indication severe depression. Therefore, SI as a definition of abnormality is an important part of applied psychology.
However, just because a behaviour is rare, does not necessarily mean it would need to be treated as an abnormality. One limitation of statistical infrequency is that it does not differentiate between desirable and undesirable behaviour when defining abnormality. For example, a high IQ is desirable, and we would not consider someone with a high IQ as abnormal. However, a high IQ is seen as statistically rare and therefore would be abnormal by this definition. This is a limitation to the statistical infrequency definition of abnormality and means that it could never be used solely to make a diagnosis and treatment plan.
