Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards
The definitions of abnormality
Statistical Infrequency, Deviation from Social Norms, Failure to Function Adequately, Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
Statistical Infrequency
Any relatively statistically usual behaviour or characteristics can be thought of as ‘normal’ but any behaviour that is statistically unusual/rare/uncommon is abnormal.
(SI) Strength
Real life application.
Most assessments include some measure of severity in symptoms which are compared to general. For example a intellectual disability disorder requires an IQ of 70 or below which is the bottom 2%.
Gives explanation generalisability.
However… would not be used alone.
(SI) Weakness
Does not distinguish between desirable and undesirable traits.
If few people display certain behaviour it is socially abnormal but that does not mean it requires treatment e.g. having a high IQ is statistically rare but doesn’t need treatment.
Incomplete as doesn’t consider the desirability of certain traits and that there isn’t always a need for treatment.
Furthermore… depression affects 27% of elderly people so isn’t statistically rare but is undesirable and would require treatment.
(SI) Furthermore
Some benefit from being classed abnormal.
If diagnosed with intellectual disability as IQ below 70 then get the help needed.
Useful for individuals.
However… not all statistically unusual people benefit from the label as those with a low IQ may be coping and may not need strategies to help them so the label on brings the stigma attached.
Deviation from Social Norms
Defined as abnormal when behave different from social norms as doesn’t fit social expectations, they offend their sense of acceptable behaviour. These norms are given by society as accepted standards of behaviour that can sometimes be within the law but regulate normal behaviours in society.
(DSN) Strength (A)
Real world application.
Used in clinical practise e.g. defining characteristic of antisocial personality disorder is failure to conform to culturally acceptable ethical behaviour, social norms.
Has value in psychiatry.
However… there may be disorders out there where people want to follow the social norms e.g. social anxiety disorder to not stick out from the majority.
(DSN) Strength (D)
Distinguishes between desirable and undesirable behaviours.
Those who deviate will not allow society to function smoothly so would be undesirable behaviour.
Appreciates abnormalities that may have negative impact on society.
Furthermore… considers effect on others and provides a set of rules to abide by.
(DSN) Weakness
Social norms change over time.
Drapetomania and nymphomania used to be classed as abnormal.
This leads to different ideas of abnormality within same society so some groups may be seen as abnormal and others may not.
Failure to Function Adequately
If unable to cope with everyday life = abnormal. This causes distress and suffering to individuals and others. Indicators of this are; dysfunctional behaviour so no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules, may behave irrational and dangerous. Observer discomfort so causes distress to those around them, this important as a hallucination may not cause them distress but will to others. Personal distress so feel intensely unhappy and see themselves as inadequate and see future as bleak.
(FFA) Strength (T)
Represents sensible threshold for when help needed.
Mind 25% of young people experience mental health disorder in any given year but won’t all need treatment.
Everyone can experience these disorders but they do not have enough resources to be able to treat everyone, so those who can’t look after themselves is a good level to measure it so they can provide targeted services.
However… some argue it is wrong to let people get to this point and preventative measure should be taken.
(FFA) Strength (I)
Takes into account experience of individuals.
Specific to individuals everyday routine so if go to gym everyday then don’t go may need help, but if don’t go to gym then don’t go won’t need help.
Less likely to be falsely diagnosed and help target true issues within life giving overall better quality.
However… some may continue to do their life but ay be struggling and do need help but this would suggest they don’t.
(FFA) Weakness
Culturally relative.
Doesn’t take into account different cultures within one society and how that impacts someone’s life.
Lacks generalisability.
Furthermore… many ethnic minorities get falsely diagnosed because behaviour is seen as abnormal.
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
This looks at what make people normal once they have this idea they can identify who deviates from this. Jahoda (1958) suggested were in good mental health if meet criteria, no distress, rational sense of self, self actualise, cope with stress, realistic view of world, self-esteem and no guilt, independent, successfully work, love, and enjoy leisure.
(DIMH) Strength
Highly comprehensive.
Jahoda’s include a range of criteria.
Can be discussed meaningfully with a range of professionals who might take different views and actions e.g. doctor focus on symptoms but counsellor on self-actualisation.
Provides a checklist and if don’t meet then access specific service to achieve it.
However… some may not be in tune with emotions and not know what they are lacking so have to access professionals to tell them who they need to access. (overcrowding)
