Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards
What are the 4 Definitions of Abnormality?
- Statistical Infrequency
- Deviation from Social Norms
- Failure to Function Adequately
- Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
What is Statistical Infrequency?
When an individual possesses a characteristic that is statistically rare. This is typically a quantifiable characteristic.
What is Failure to Function Adequately?
When an individual is unable to cope with the demands of everyday life (e.g. unable to hold down a job or keep up with basic hygiene)
What is Deviation from Ideal Mental Health?
When an individual fails to meet the criteria for good mental health
Who devised the criteria for ideal mental health?
Jahoda
What are 5 criteria for ideal mental health set out by Jahoda?
- No symptoms of distress
- Ability to cope with stress
- Ability to be independent
- Good self-esteem
- Ability to self-actualise
Which two Definitions of Abnormality are culture-bound?
- Deviation from Social Norms
- Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
What don’t Function to Function Adequately and Deviation from Ideal Mental Health take into account?
Circumstances (e.g. bereavement)
What doesn’t Statistical Infrequency consider?
Whether a statistically rare characteristic is positive
Which Definition of Abnormality most closely conceptualises what society would consider abnormal behaviour to be?
Deviation from Social Norms
Which Definition of Abnormality is most scientific?
Statistical Infrequency
Why is Failure to Function Adequately useful to professionals?
It provides a threshold for determining when an individual needs professional help
Why is Deviation from Ideal Mental Health useful to professionals?
It’s a highly comprehensive and inclusive checklist that covers a lot of aspect of mental health
