Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
What is statistical infrequency?
When an individual has a characteristic that is extremely rare.
Numerically unusual behaviour or characteristic.
E.g. IQ below 70.
Behaviours that are considered to be rare are dependent on the normal distribution.
Strengths of statistical infrequencies.
It is an objective measure of measuring abnormality.
There are no judgements made about the person with the abnormality: They just fall outside a statistical range.
The graphs that plot the standard deviations are based on real data and, therefore, should be unbiased
Weaknesses of statistical infrequencies.
Unusual characteristics can be positive- High IQ.
Not all abnormalities are statistical infrequencies.
What is deviation from social norms?
Behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in community or society.
Unwritten rule about what is acceptable with a particular society.
e.g. someone walking around London naked.
However this behaviour is considered normal in remote African tribes as part of their culture.
Strengths of deviation from social norms.
It allows for development of norms. e.g. it is an accepted norm that a 1year old child could be carried but not a 50 year old.
It has been used to diagnose disorders.
limitations of deviation from social norms.
It does not explain abnormality changing over time.- Homosexuality.
It does not take into account different cultural differences
What is failure to function adequately?
Occurs when someone is unable to cope with the demands of day-to-day living.
Rosenham and Seligman proposed signs used to determine when someone is not coping:
When a person experiences severe personal distress.
When a person’s behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or others.
Strengths of failure to function adequately.
Represents a threshold for help.
It focuses on observable characteristics, allowing others to judge.
It allows the individual to have their own perspective of their behaviour.
Limitations of failure to function adequately.
It labels individuals who make certain life choices.
Discriminates other cultures.
It does not consider when it is normal to behave abnormal.- taking exams, loss of a loved one.
What is deviation from ideal mental health?
Proposed by Jahoda who stated that instead of focusing on abnormalities the individual should focus on the ideal mental state.
The criteria is:
We have no symptoms of distress
We are rational and can perceive ourselves accurately.
We can cope with stress
We have a realistic view of the world and others.
Strengths of deviation of ideal mental health.
It is highly comprehensive as it covers most of the reasons why we may seek help with mental health.
Limitations of deviation from ideal mental health
Jahoda may have an unrealistic view of the ideal mental health, with the majority of people not being able to meet the criteria.
Suffers from cultural relativism- self- actualisation may be viewed as selfish in some cultures.
