Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards
Deviation
A behaviour different from how most people behave (hearing voices).
Social Norms
Ways in which most people behave, established by a social group.
Explicit Norms
Written laws that govern society.
Implicit Norms
Unwritten rules generally accepted by society.
Cultural Relativism
Not judging a different culture to our standards of what is normal.
What is a possible issue of defining abnormality as deviation from social norms?
Psychiatrists determine whether an individual deviates from social norms and this is subjective, possibly leading to validity issues with diagnosis.
Subjective
Based on personal opinions and feelings rather than facts.
Failure to Function Adequately
When a person is unable to cope with the demands of everyday life.
Global Assessment of Functioning Scale
An assessment of the social, occupational, and psychological functioning of an individual, carried out by clinical professionals. Scores from 0-100 are given.
Who developed the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale?
Rosenham and Seligman (1989).
What are the characteristics of inadequate functioning?
Irrationality, unpredictability, personal distress, violation of moral standards, maladaptive behaviour, observer discomfort
Statistical Infrequency
When a person has an uncommon characteristic, such as depression.
Normal Distribution
An average for most people, fewer people being above and below.
Labelling
When a diagnostic classification becomes surrounded with negative stigma.
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
When a person is ‘abnormal’ if they don’t demonstrate Jahoda’s criteria.
What is Jahoda’s (1958) criteria for ideal mental health?
Positive attitude towards the self, self-actualisation, resistance to stress, autonomy, accurate perception of reality, mastery of the environment.
Self-Actualisation
Focused on the future, self-growth, and development.
Autonomy
The ability to self-direct your own thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Ethnocentrism
Evaluating other cultures with the standards of our culture.
Nomothetic Approach
When psychologists attempt to establish general laws based on their research of large populations.
Idiographic Approach
When psychologists focus on individuals, emphasising the unique, personal experiences of human nature.
