Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards
What are the four definitions of abnormalities?
1/ Statistical infrequency
2/ Deviation from social norms
3/ Failure to function adequately
4/ Deviation from ideal mental health
What is definition of abnormality, according to statistical infrequency?
Statistical infrequency is when an individual has a less common characteristic, according to the number of times it is observed in society
What are two strengths of the statistical infrequency definition of abnormality? (objectivity measure +. guideline)
Statistical infrequency provides an objective measure of abnormality and is better than reliance on a psychologist’s interpretation. Additionally it provides a clear guidance to identify whether behavior is normal or abnormal
What is a limitation of the statistical infrequency definition of abnormality? (culture)
There are many culture differences that deem different things normal and abnormal. This means statistical infrequency lack population validity
What is a limitation of the statistical infrequency definition of abnormality? (norms)
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 This shows statistical norms can be outdated.
What is deviation from social norms?
Deviation from social norms is when a person behaves differently from what is expected behaviour in particular circumstances, these expectations are set by society
What an example of deviation from social norms?
An example would be APD (antisocial personality disorder)
What is APD (antisocial personality disorder) and what are the symptoms of APD??
APD is when a person deviates from moral and ethical standards of behaviour
Symptoms: individual would lack guilt/remorse, exploit others, have no regard for right or wrong and have difficulty sustaining long term relationships
What is a strength of deviation from social norms? (developmental norms)
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.
What is a strength of the definition: deviation from social norms? (society)
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)
What is a limitation of the definition: deviation from social norms? (individualism)
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
What is a limitation of the definition: deviation from social norms? (cultural differences)
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
What is failure to function adequately?
Failure to function adequately is when individuals are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life
What do abnormal behaviours look like according to the failure to function adequately definition?
- Distress leading to inability to function
- Behaviour interrupting individual’s ability to work/ go to school
What are the features that Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) identify as failure to function adequately?
- No longer conforming to standard interpersonal rules
- Person experiences severe personal stress
- Behaviour becomes irrational/dangerous to themselves or others
What is a strength of failure to function adequately? (clarity)
This definition has a clear criteria for when individuals need professional help. It provides individuals with a practical checklist to check their behaviour
What is a limitation of failure to function adequately? (discrimination)
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
What is a limitation of failure to function adequately? (≠)
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
What is deviation from ideal mental health?
Deviation from ideal mental health is an assessment of mental health, identical to the assessment of physical health
What characteristics did Jahoda identify as ideal mental health in 1958?
- No symptoms of distress
- Rationality
- Ability to self actualise
- Ability to cope with stress (having effective coping strategies)
- Realistic views of the world
- Good self esteem + lack of guilt
- Independent
- Being able to successfully work, love + enjoy leisure
What is a strength of deviation from ideal mental health? (assessment + positivity)
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
What is a limitation of deviation from ideal mental health? (cultures)
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
What is limitation of deviation from ideal mental health? (difficulty)
It is very difficult for most woke to meet all criteria outlined for ideal mental health. Under this definition many would be deemed abnormal
