Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards
what are the four ways abnormality can be defined?
DSN
FFA
SI
DIMH
What is the definition for deviation from social norms?
-A person is considered abnormal if they fail to follow the norms in a given society
What are examples of deviation from social norms?
-invading personal space
-Not wearing clothes
-Eye contact
what are social norms?
Unspoken, unwritten rules that guides society (set by a social group).
What are examples of social norms?
-queueing
-Using a knife and fork
-Not laughing at a funeral
what is an example of psychological behaviour including DSN?
-Antisocial personality disorder
What are the characteristics of a person with APD?
-impulsive
-aggressive
-irresponsible
According to the diagnostic and statistical manual 5, Why are people with APD abnormal?
they do not conform to our moral standards
What is the definition of failure to function adequately?
A person is considered abnormal if their behaviour suggests they cannot cope with every day life
when is behaviour considered abnormal? (FFA)
-when it causes distress leading to an inability to function properly- like disrupting the ability to work and keep good relationships
what characteristics of abnormal behaviour did Rosenhan and Seligman suggest are related to FFA?
-personal distress
-Observed discomfort
-Maladaptive
-Unpredictable
-Irrational
(if your behaviour matches any of this criteria, then you are abnormal)
what is an example of psychological behaviour that includes FFA?
severe depression- can lead lack of interest, meaning that the depressed person may fail to get up in the morning and hold down the job
What is the definition of statistical infrequency?
-person is considered abnormal if they possess a characteristic that is rare, or uncommon amongst the rest of the population
What is a way of measuring specific characteristics and their distribution in the general population? (SI)
-normal distribution curve- any individuals who fall outside the normal distribution, usually about 5% of the population are perceived as being abnormal (e.g. very high or very low IQ)
what is an example of psychological behaviour that is statistical infrequent?
-schizophrenia is suffered by 100 people and so is statistically infrequent
what is the problem of statistical frequency?
-Doesn’t look at if behaviour is desirable or undesirable
What did Jehovah suggest that normal mental health includes?
-positive attitudes towards the self
-Self actualisation and personal growth
-Being resistant to stress
-Personal autonomy
-Accurate perception of reality
-Environmental mastery
What is positive attitudes towards the self?
self-respect and a positive self-concept
What is self actualisation and personal growth?
having a motivation to achieve our full potential
What is being resistant to stress
Being able to cope with stressful situations and cope with anxiety
What is personal autonomy?
being independent, self-reliant and able to make personal decisions
What is accurate perception of reality?
perceiving the world in a non-distorted fashion, having an objective and realistic view of the world
what is environmental mastery?
-Being competent in all aspects of life and able to meet the demands of any situation.
-Having the flexibility to adapt to changing life circumstances
what does the more dmih criteria absent mean?
-More vulnerability for mental health
