Definitions of abnormality

Question 1

Statistical infrequency

Answer 1

-Refers to a condition that is rare compared to the norm.
-Human characteristics fall into this category so help us see what is classed as normal and what isn’t

Question 2

Statistical Infrequency

Evaluation

Answer 2

-Some behaviors that are seen as abnormal could also be seen as desirable, e.g. High IQ, this means we need to find a way of distinguishing behavior that are infrequent and undesirable.
-The cut off point is subjectively determined, for example how do we decide what is too much or too little sleep
-Finally the use of statistic infrequency is not enough, sometimes you will need to use failure to function adequately to diagnose someone with a mental disorder

Question 3

Deviation From Social Norms

Answer 3

• Going against the norms of a social group, some are rules about these behaviors are implicit however others can be enforced by the la.
  -These however differ from place to place due to cultural relativism.

Question 4

Deviation from Social Norms

Evaluation

Answer 4

• Its susceptible to abuse, as norms might change over time, but some peoples views might remain the same, for example homosexuality. Szasz said this could be used to to exclude non conformists from society.
  -Deviance is related to where and when the action takes place, for instance wearing a swimming costume at a pool is natural but wearing one to Tesco is not.
• it also does not take into account the affect that the action might have on others.

Question 5

Failure to function adequately

Answer 5

• Falling to cope with everyday tasks like eating or cleaning, this may cause distress in them and others around them, if it stresses others and not themselves the label of abnormal is inappropriate

Question 6

Faliure to function adequately

Evaluation

Answer 6

+ the behaviour might be functional (crossdressers seen as abnormal but lots make a living out of it)
+ Its not objective as we can list normal behaviours and judge them when theyre not completed properly we can see what treatment is needed
- As it judged by someone else they may disagree on the criteria, so people may be labelled abnormal when theyre not and those who are might not get dignosed.

Question 7

Deviation from the ideal mental health

Answer 7

A mixture of faliure to functuion adequatly and a physical illness- when a person cannot cope with a certain criteria, like not being able to cope with stresfull situations

Question 8

Deviation from ideal mental health

Evaluation

Answer 8

• According to the criteria the majority of people are abnormal, therefore its unreasonable
• It is unreasonable for us to say mental issues are linked with physical issues.
  +Empethisies the positives of mental disorders rather than focusing on the negatives