Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards
1) Statistical Infrequency
1) Define ‘normal or ‘abnormal’ by the number of times it is observed.
2) Any often seen behaviour is thought of as ‘normal’ - Any behaviour that is different/rare, is ‘abnormal, ie. a statistical infrequency.
Statistical Infrequency - Example
IQ & Intellectual disability disorder:
1) Average IQ is 100, only 2% score below 70 - these individuals are statistically unusual & are diagnosed with intellectual disability disorder.
Strength of Statistical Infrequency
REAL-WORLD APPLICATION
1) It is useful in diagnosis, e.g. intellectual disability disorder
since this requires an
IQ in the bottom 2%.
—> It is useful in diagnostic processes.
Limitation of Statistical Infrequency
UNUSUAL CHARACTERISTICS CAN ALSO BE POSITIVE
1) Rare behaviour is seen statistically infrequent but it doesn’t mean we would call them abnormal.
E.g. IQ scores above 130 are just as unusual as those below 70, but not regarded as undesirable or needing treatment.
—> Although SI can be a part of defining abnormality, it can’t be it’s sole basis.
2) Deviation From Social Norms
1) Abnormality is based on social context - When someone behaves differently from expected behaviour they may be defined as abnormal.
2) Societies & social groups make collective judgements about ‘correct’ behaviours in particular circumstances.
3) Consequences of behaviour - there are few behaviours that’d be considered universally abnormal so definitions are related to cultural context - including historical differences in the same society.
E.g. Homosexuality is viewed as abnormal in some cultures but not others & was considered abnormal in our society in the past.
Deviation From Social Norms - Example
Antisocial Personality Disorder
1) An important symptom of antisocial personality disorder is failure to conform to ‘lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour.’
2) So a psychopath is abnormal because they deviate from social norms or standards - they generally lack empathy.
Strength of Deviation
REAL-WORLD APPLICATION
1) It is useful in the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder since this requires failure to conform to ethical standards.
2) Also helpful in diagnosing schizotypal personality disorder
which involves ‘strange’ beliefs and behaviour.
—> Means it can be useful in psychiatric diagnosis.
Limitation of Deviation
SOCIAL NORMS ARE SITUATIONALLY & CULTURALLY RELATIVE
1) Someone from one culture may label someone from another culture as abnormal using their standards rather than the person’s standards.
E.g. Hearing voices is socially acceptable in some cultures but would be seen as abnormal in the UK.
—> Means it’s difficult to judge deviation from social norms from one context to another.
Failure to Function Adequately
Inability to cope with everyday living.
1) A person may cross the line between normal & abnormal at the point that they can’t deal with demands of everyday life - they fail to function adequately.
E.g, not being able to maintain basic standards of nutrition and hygiene, hold down a job or maintain relationships.
Rosenham & Seligman (1989)
Proposed further signs of failure to cope:
• No longer conform to interpersonal rules, eg maintaining personal space.
• Experience severe personal distress.
• Behave dangerously & irrationally.
Example of FFA
Intellectual Disability Disorder:
1) Very low IQ is a statistical infrequency but diagnosis would not be made on this basis alone - There’d have to be signs that the person wasn’t able to cope with the demands of everyday living.
—> So intellectual disability disorder is an example of failure to function adequately.
Strength of FFA
A THRESHOLD FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP
1) In any year 25% of us experience symptoms of mental disorder to some degree (Mind).
2) Usually, we press on, but when we cease to function adequately people seek/are referred for professional help.
—> Means FFA criterion provides a way to target treatment & services to those who need them most.
Limitation of FFA
CAN LEAD TO DISCRIMINATION / SOCIAL CONTROL
1) Hard to distinguish between failure to function and a conscious decision to deviate from social norms.
E.g. ppl may choose to live off-grid as part of an alternative lifestyle choice.
—> Means ppl who make unusual choices can be labelled abnormal & freedom is restricted.
Extra Evaluation - FFA
FAILURE TO FUNCTION CAN BE NORMAL
1) In some circumstances most of us can’t cope e.g. bereavement - unfair to give someone a label for reacting normally to difficult circumstances.
2) On the other hand failure to function is real regardless of the circumstances - may need pro help to adjust to bereavement.
—> Hard to know when to base a judgement of abnormality on failure to function.
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
1) A different way to look at normality & abnormality is to think about what makes someone ‘normal’ and psychologically healthy.
Then identify anyone who deviates from this ideal.
Jahoda - 8 Criteria
Suggested following criteria for ideal mental health:
1. We have no symptoms or distress.
2. We are rational & perceive ourselves accurately.
3. We self-actualise.
4. We can cope with stress.
5. We have a realistic view of the world.
6. We have good self-esteem & lack guilt.
7. We are independent of other people.
8. We can successfully work, love and enjoy our leisure.
Inevitable Overlap Between Definitions
Someone’s inability to keep a job may be a sign of their failure to cope with the pressures of work (failure to function).
Or as a deviation from the ideal of successfully working.
Strength of Ideal Mental Health
COMPREHENSIVE
1) Ideal mental health includes a range of criteria for mental health. It covers most of the reasons why we might need help with mental health.
2) So mental health can be discussed meaningfully with a range of professionals e.g. psychiatrist or CBT therapist.
—> So ideal mental health provides a checklist against which we can assess ourselves & others.
Limitation of Ideal Mental Health
DEFINITION MAY BE CULTURE-BOUND
1) Some criteria for ideal mental health are limited to the US and Europe, e.g. self-actualisation is not recognised in most of the world.
2) Even in Europe there are variations in the value placed on independence (high in Germany, low in Italy).
—> So very difficult to apply concept of ideal mental health from one culture to another.
Extra Evaluation - DIMH
EXTREMELY HIGH STANDARDS
1) Few of us attain all Jahoda’s criteria for mental health, and none of us maintain them for long.
An impossible set of standards can be disheartening.
2) On the otner hand having such comprehensive criteria for mental health might be of value to someone wanting to improve their mental health.
—> So a set of comprehensive criteria for ideal mental health may be helpful for some but not others.
