Definitions of abnormality

Question 1

What are the 4 definitions of abnormality?

Answer 1

1. Statistical infrequency
2. Deviation from social norms
3. Failure to function adequately
4. Deviation from ideal mental health

Question 2

Define statistical infrequency.

Answer 2

Human behaviour is abnormal if it falls outside the range that is typical for most people. Their behaviour has moved away from the norm/average.

Question 3

Evaluate statistical infrequency.

Answer 3

-The cut off points are arbitrary.
Someone has to make a judgement on a numerical value of whether someone is abnormal.

-Cultural and historical relativism.
Cultures have different normalities. A definition of abnormality should be relevant across cultures.

Question 4

Define deviation from social norms.

Answer 4

Every society/culture has standards of acceptable behaviours and norms. Behaviour that deviates from these norms is considered abnormal.

Question 5

Evaluate deviation from social norms.

Answer 5

-Social norms vary cross different cultures.
Social norms also change overtime, so the definition would need to be constantly updated.

Question 6

Define failure to function adequately.

Answer 6

A person is unable to lead a normal life or engage in normal behaviours.

Question 7

What are the two major indicators is failure to function adequately?

Answer 7

1. Maladaptiveness of behaviour- behaviour is maladaptive if it interferes with an individual’s ability to lead a normal everyday life.
2. Personal distress- can be a sign of many psychological disorders.

Question 8

Evaluate failure to function adequately.

Answer 8

-Who decides what is meant by ‘failure to function adequately’?
Can be a very subjective judgement based on the clinician’s own views about what healthy functioning actually looks like.

Question 9

Define deviation from ideal mental health.

Answer 9

Assumes absence of characteristics associated with normality indicates abnormality.

Question 10

List Jahoda’s elements of optimal living.

Answer 10

1. Positive view of self
2. Personal growth and development
3. Autonomy (independence)
4. Accurate view of reality
5. Positive relationships
6. Mater of your own environment
7. Resistance to stress

Question 11

Evaluate deviation from ideal mental health.

Answer 11

-Sets out an extremely high standard for mental health and few of us achieve this standard.
May encourage people to be concerned about their mental health even when they are perfectly normal.

-Has cultural bias.
Doesn’t take other cultures into consideration. Not comprehensive.