definitions of abnormality

Question 1

what is statistical infrequency

Answer 1

any characteristic or behaviour that is statistically rare

Question 2

example of statistical infrequency

Answer 2

Intellectual disability disorder - IQ below 70

Question 3

strength of statistical infrequency

Answer 3

objective and measurable

Question 4

2 weaknesses of statistical infrequency

Answer 4

some statistical infrequencies are desirable - eg IQ above 140

dont always need a diagnosis if they are content in life - diagnosing can bring on distress

Question 5

what is deviation from social norms

Answer 5

behaviour that is socially unacceptable

Question 6

example of deviation from social norms

Answer 6

antisocial personality disorder is categorised as irresponsible, aggressive, impulsive behaviour which is not socially acceptable

Question 7

2 weaknesses of deviation from social norms

Answer 7

cultural relativism - it is unfair to judge someone from another culture as abnormal when they are normal in their culture

the social norm approach can lead to abuse of human rights and maintaining control over certain groups eg minorities, women are diagnosed to keep them suppressed

Question 8

what is failure to function adequately

Answer 8

failing to cope with the demands of everyday life

Question 9

when is someone failing to function adequately

Answer 9

• failing to conform to interpersonal rules
• experiences personal distress
• irrational or dangerous behaviour

Question 10

example of failure to function adequately

Answer 10

intellectual disability disorder - failing to function is part of the diagnosis alongside low IQ

Question 11

strength of failure to function

Answer 11

incorporates the subjective experience of the patient

Question 12

two weaknesses of failure to function

Answer 12

not very different from deviation from social norms - eg doing some extreme sports may be considered both deviation from social norms and failure to function

requires subjective judgement during assessment

Question 13

what is deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 13

not psychologically healthy

Question 14

what did Jahoda suggest about deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 14

jahoda stated what ideal mental health looks like :
- lack of symptoms
- rationality
- self-actualisation
- coping with stress
- good self esteem

Question 15

strength of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 15

covers a comprehensive range of mentally healthy criteria

Question 16

two weaknesses of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 16

jahoda’s ideas follow western culture ideas of mental health eg self-actualisation - would not be ideal in collectivist cultures

sets too high a standard of mental health - few people achieve all or most of the ideas.