Definitions Of Abnormality Flashcards
Statistical infrequency
If someone has a less common characteristic
E.g. frequent feelings of depression
Deviation from social norms
If someone behaves differently to the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society
Failure to function adequately
If someone is unable to cope with demands of day to day life
E.g. fear of germs prevents someone from leaving their home
Deviation from ideal mental health
If someone does not meet the criteria for good mental health
E.g. someone is not independent, rational or able to manage stress
Strength of statistical infrequency
Useful and objective - percentage can mean someone can receive a valid diagnosis and intervention can be targeted
Statistical infrequency limitations
Rare traits can be positive too e.g. high IQ does not need diagnosis/intervention
Not a sufficient way of explaining abnormality
Deviation from social norms strengths
Can be used in clinical practice to diagnose someone with MHD e.g. personality disorder
Deviation form social norms limitations
Different cultures have different norms and different situations - people may misinterpret behaviour as abnormal but may actually be normal for that culture
Failure to function adequately strengths
Useful - can be used to target interventions when people really need help
Failure to function adequately limitations
Discrimination & social control - subjective measure, so people could be labelled incorrectly
Deviation from ideal mental health strengths
Comprehensive - looks at a range of measures so more likely to be an accurate picture of a persons mental state (more valid)
Deviation from ideal mental health limitations
Culture bound - created by Jahoda (Australian-British) so ideal MH by European (individualism) not the same in all cultures (not valid]
