Definitions Of Abnormality Flashcards
What is statistical infrequency?
When someone displays uncommon/statistically unusual characteristics
What is an example of statistical deviation?
A small section of the population (2.2%) have an IQ of less than 70, so they may be described as having an abnormally low IQ
What’s a strength of statistical deviation?
Real life application - Intellectual Disability Disorder is diagnosed using statistical deviation and looking at IQ
What is a limitation of statistical deviation?
Not all statistical deviations are bad - extremely high IQs are seen as desirable
What is deviation from social norms?
When someone acts in a way that is different to the explicit or implicit norms of a culture/society
What is a strength of deviation from social norms?
Real life application - Diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder
What is a limitation of deviation from social norms?
Cultural relativism - what is normal in one culture May not be normal in another - cannot be used as a standard diagnostic tool
What is failure to function adequately?
Describes people that are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life
What are 3 of the characteristics of someone who fails to function adequately?
Not conforming to interpersonal rules
Personal distress
Irrational or dangerous behaviour
What is a limitation of failure to function adequately?
Not a valid diagnostic tool for everybody as base jumpers take part in a sport that has a high mortality rate, but they are not considered abnormal
What is deviation from ideal mental health?
When a person does not meet Jahoda’s 6 criteria for ideal mental health
What were Jahoda’s six criteria for ideal mental health?
Positive self-view, self actualisation, cope with stress, personal autonomy, accurate perception of reality & adaption to the environment
What is a limitation of deviation from ideal mental health? (Bias)
Culturally biased - favours the ideals of an individualist culture
What is a limitation of deviation from ideal mental health?
Very few people can meet all 6 criteria (e.g. self actualisation is extremely difficult to achieve), therefore the majority of people should be classed as abnormal
