Definitions of Abnormality

Question 1

What are the 4 definitions of abnormality?

Answer 1

statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, deviation from ideal mental health, failure to function adequately

Question 2

what is statistical infrequency?

Answer 2

abnormality is defined as those behaviours that are extremely rare

Question 3

what is an example of statistical infrequency?

Answer 3

very few people have an IQ over 150 but this abnormality is desirable not undesirable

Question 4

What is deviation from social norms?

Answer 4

Abnormal behaviour is seen as a deviation from unstated rules about how one ‘ought’ to behave.

Question 5

What is an example of deviation from social norms?

Answer 5

In the past, homosexuality was classified as abnormal and regarded as a mental disorder because it was social deviation at the time even though it isn’t considered abnormal now

Question 6

Statistical infrequency: evaluation

Answer 6

1. Some abnormal behaviours are desirable
2. Cultural relativism

Question 7

Statistical infrequency: some behaviours are desirable

Answer 7

The main issue is that there are many abnormal behaviours that are actually quite desirable. For example very few people have an IQ over 150 but this is desirable. Equally there are some ‘normal’ behaviours that are considered undesirable. For example, depression is relatively common. Therefore using statistical infrequency to define abnormality means that it’s difficult to distinguish between desirable and undesirable

Question 8

Statistical infrequency: cultural relativism

Answer 8

Another issue is that behaviours that are statistically infrequent in one culture may be statistically frequent in another. For example one of the symptoms of schizophrenia is claiming to hear voices. However this experience is common and considered positive in some cultures. This means that there are no universal rules for labelling a behaviour as abnormal

Question 9

Deviation from social norms: evaluation

Answer 9

1. Cultural relativism
2. Strength - it does distinguish between desirable and undesirable

Question 10

Deviation from social norms: cultural relativism

Answer 10

Social norms are defined by the culture which means that deviation from social norms can’t be universal. Classification systems such as the DSM, are almost entirely based on social norms from the West (white and middle class), and yet the same criteria are applied to people from different subcultures living in the west. cultural relativism is now acknowledged in the most recent version of the DSM. For example, in the section on panic attacks, a note is made that uncontrollable crying may be a symptom in some cultures, whereas difficulty breathing may be a primary symptom in other cultures.
This shows that is possible to address this issue by including cultural differences in diagnostic systems.

Question 11

Deviation from social norms: strength - it does distinguish between desirable and undesirable

Answer 11

In contrast to statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms does distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviour. The social deviancy

Question 12

What is deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 12

Ideal mental health includes a positive attitude towards the self, resistance to stress and an accurate perception of reality. Deviation from this is considered abnormal

Question 13

What is an example of deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 13

Not being able to cope with stressful situations

Question 14

What’s is failure to function adequately?

Answer 14

People are judged on their ability to go about daily life. If they cant do this and are also experiencing distress then it is considered a sign of abnormality

Question 15

What is an example of failure to function adequately?

Answer 15

The DSM includes an assessment of ability to function called WHODAS. This considers 6 areas:
1. Understanding and communicating
2. Getting around
3. Self care
4. Getting along with people
5. Life activities
6. participation in society
Individuals rate each item 1-5

Question 16

Evaluation for failure to function adequately

Answer 16

1. It is subjective
2. It does recognise the subjective experience of the patient

Question 17

Why is failure to function adequately subjective?

Answer 17

If a person is experiencing personal distress, for example is unable to get to work or eat regular meals, they may recognise that this is undesirable and may feel distressed and seek help. On the other hand, the individual may be content with the situation or may e unaware that they are not coping. It is others who judge and are uncomfortable. For example schizophrenics are potentially dangerous but believe in their delusions and hallucinations so are unaware that they need help. Therefore the limitation of this approach is that the judgement depends on who is making the decision.

Question 18

How does failure to function adequately recognise subjective experience?

Answer 18

Failure to function adequately allows us to view mental disorder from the point of view of the person experiencing it. It is also relatively easy to judge objectively because we can list behaviours. For example can dress self, can prepare meals - as in WHODAS.