Definitions of Abnormality

Question 1

How many definitions of abnormality are there?

Answer 1

There are four definitions of abnormality

Question 2

What is statistical infrequency?

Answer 2

Statistical infrequency is the measure of behaviour through statistics to determine whether they are statistically normal or abnormal

Question 3

What is the definition of abnormality according to statistical infrequency?

Answer 3

Abnormality is behaviour that deviates from the norm/average

Question 4

What is a strength of the statistical infrequency definition of abnormality? (objectivity)

Answer 4

It provides an objective measure of abnormality and is better than reliance on a psychologist’s interpretation.

Question 5

What is a limitation of the statistical infrequency definition of abnormality? (culture)

Answer 5

There are many culture differences that deem different things normal and abnormal. This means statistical infrequency lack population validity

Question 6

What is a strength of the statistical infrequency definition of abnormality? ( guideline)

Answer 6

Statistical infrequency provides a clear guideline to identify whether behaviour is normal or abnormal

Question 7

What is a limitation of the statistical infrequency definition of abnormality? (norms)

Answer 7

Behaviours that may have been deemed as statistically rare years ago (same sex relationships) may not be statistically rare today. This shows statistical norms can be outdated.

Question 8

What is deviation from social norms?

Answer 8

Deviation from social norms is when a person behaves differently from what is expected behaviour in particular circumstances

Question 9

How are these expectations on behaviour set?

Answer 9

Expectations on behaviour are set by society, by society making collective judgments about acceptable behaviour

Question 10

What an example of deviation from social norms?

Answer 10

An example would be APD (antisocial personality disorder)

Question 11

What is APD (antisocial personality disorder)?

Answer 11

APD is when a person deviates from moral and ethical standards of behaviour

Question 12

What are the symptoms of APD (antisocial personality disorder)?

Answer 12

Symptoms of APD would be: lacking guilt or remorse, exploitation of others, no regards for right or wrong and difficulties sustaining long term relationships

Question 13

How many evaluations are there for deviation from social norms?

Answer 13

There are four evaluations; two strengths/two limitations

Question 14

What is a strength of deviation from social norms? (developmental norms)

Answer 14

This definition allows for development norms. People would see a 1 year old to be carried everywhere as normal. Whereas, if it was a 50 year old it would be considered abnormal.

Question 15

What is a strength of the definition: deviation from social norms? (society)

Answer 15

This definitions seeks to protect society from abnormal behaviours that might lead to harm. For example people with ADP would be classed under this definition as they do not conform to culturally normal moral behaviour and may violate others)

Question 16

What is a limitation of the definition: deviation from social norms? (individualism)

Answer 16

This definition does not account for those who do not conform to social norms but are not abnormal, such as individualists or eccentric in their behaviour

Question 17

What is a limitation of the definition: deviation from social norms? (cultural differences)

Answer 17

This definition does not consider the cultural differences as it does not make it clear how to deal with cultural differences in normal and abnormal behaviour

Question 18

What is failure to function adequately?

Answer 18

Failure to function adequately is when individuals are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life

Question 19

What do abnormal behaviours look like according to the failure to function adequately definition?

Answer 19

1. Distress leading to inability to function
2. Behaviour interrupting individual’s ability to work/ go to school

Question 20

What are the features that Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) identify as failure to function adequately?

Answer 20

1. No longer conforming to standard interpersonal rules
2. Person experiences severe personal stress
3. Behaviour becomes irrational/dangerous to themselves or others

Question 21

Who identified the features of failure to function adequately? When did they identify these features?

Answer 21

Rosehan and Seligman in 1989

Question 22

How many evaluation points are there for failure to function adequately?

Answer 22

There are three evaluation points

Question 23

What is a strength of failure to function adequately? (clarity)

Answer 23

this definition has a clear criteria for when individuals need professional help. It provides individuals with a practical checklist to check their behaviour

Question 24

What is a limitation of failure to function adequately? (discrimination)

Answer 24

this definition is discriminatory to people with different cultures and those who make unusual choices. for example people who do not have a permanent address or job. this definition does not consider when it is normal to behave abnormally

Question 25

What is a limitation of failure to function adequately? (≠)

Answer 25

Abnormality does not equal failure to function adequately. This is shown with people who have depression, anxiety and other health issues who can appear to lead perfectly normal lives

Question 26

What is deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 26

Deviation from ideal mental health is an assessment of mental health, identical to the assessment of physical health

Question 27

Who established the characteristics to identify ideal mental health? When?

Answer 27

Jahoda established the characteristics to identify ideal mental health in 1958

Question 28

What did Jahoda identify as ideal mental health?

Answer 28

1. No symptoms of distress
2. Rationality
3. Ability to self actualise
4. Ability to cope with stress (having effective coping strategies)
5. Realistic views of the world
6. Good self esteem + lack of guilt
7. Independent
8. Being able to successfully work, love + enjoy leisure

Question 29

How many evaluation points are there for deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 29

There are three evaluation points

Question 30

What is a strength of deviation from ideal mental health? (assessment + positivity)

Answer 30

This definition provides a checklist which we can assess ourselves and use for self improvement; takes a positive approach to defining normality rather than looking at what is wrong with an individual

Question 31

What is a limitation of deviation from ideal mental health? (cultures)

Answer 31

Jahoda’s ideas are rooted in a Western view of the value of personal growth and development. These concepts do not apply to all cultures equally

Question 32

What is limitation of deviation from ideal mental health? (difficulty)

Answer 32

It is very difficult for most woke to meet all criteria outlined for ideal mental health. Under this definition many would be deemed abnormal