Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
What is the deviation from social norms definition?
Behaviour violating accepted social norms. Individuals that are behaving undesirably are labelled as social deviants, which allows interference into their lives in order to help them.
What are the strengths of the deviation from social norms definition?
It helps people.
It distinguishes between normal and abnormal.
It protects society.
What are the limitations of the deviation from social norms definition?
Social norms are subjective and are based on opinions of ruling elites within society with majority opinion.
Norms change over time.
Those who don’t conform to social norms may not be abnormal but just individualistic.
What is the failure to function adequately definition?
An inability to cope with everyday life. Behaviour is abnormal when it causes distress leading to an inability to function properly eg disrupting the ability to work.
What are Rosenhan and Seligman’s features of personal dysfunction?
Personal distress, maladaptive behaviour, unpredictability, irrationality, observer discomfort, violation of moral standards and unconventionality.
What are the strength of the failure to function adequately definition?
It provides a checklist individuals can use to assess their level of abnormality.
It recognises the personal experience of sufferers.
What are the limitations of the failure to function adequately definition?
Abnormality is not always accompanied by dysfunction - psychopaths can cause great harm but still appear normal.
The definition doesn’t consider when there are times in peoples lives that it is considered to normal to experience distress, eg losing a loved one.
What is the deviation from ideal mental health definition?
An absence of certain characteristics indicates they are abnormal: Positive attitude towards self.
Self actualisation - becoming everything capable
Autonomy - independent & self-reliant
Resisting stress
Accurate perception of reality - having realistic view of the world and having an objective
Environmental mastery - being able to meet the demands of any situation.
What are the strengths of the deviation from ideal mental health definition?
It emphasises positive achievements rather than failures and distress.
It gives targets on what areas to work on.
What are the limitations of the deviation from ideal mental health definition?
Over-demanding criteria - most people don’t meet all the criteria.
Subjective criteria.
Cultural variation.
What is the statistical infrequency definition?
Any individuals who fall outside the normal distribution are perceived as abnormal.
What are the strengths of the statistical infrequency definition?
Objective
It can be used as evidence for assistance.
Based on real and unbiased data.
What are the limitations of the statistical infrequency definition?
It is not clear how far the behaviour should deviate from the norm to be seen as abnormal.
Not all infrequent behaviours are abnormal - some rare behaviours are seen as desirable.
Doesn’t consider cultural factors.
