Definitions of abnormality

Question 1

What is statistical infrequency?

Answer 1

This when an individual has a less common characteristic ( stastically uncommon)

Question 2

Give 2 examples of statistical infrequency

Answer 2

-Intellectually disability disorder ( low IQ)
-More depressed

Question 3

What is deviation from social norms?

Answer 3

This is when a persons behaves in a way different to how society expects them to behave (don’t conform to society standards)

Question 4

Example of deviating from social norms

Answer 4

Antisocial personality disorder (psychopathy)
behaves aggressive impulsive etc

Question 5

Why is the statistical infrequency definition useful?

Answer 5

It is used in clinical practice as part of formal diagnosis and a way to assess the severity of an individual’s symptoms

-Diagnosis of IDD requires IQ below 70
-example of SI used in an assessment tool is Becks depression inventory
> a score of 30+ indicates severe depression

Question 6

Explain why infrequent characteristics can be positive as well as negative

Answer 6

IQ above 130 - would not been seen as abnormal

Shows that being on unusual on one end of a psychological spectrum does not make someone abnormal

Question 7

Why is DFSN definition useful?

Answer 7

Used in clinical practice in diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder

Key defining characteristics is failure to conform to culturally acceptable ethical behavior (violating rights of others, aggression etc)

Question 8

What is one limitation of deviation from social norms definition?

Answer 8

Social norms varies in different cultures
-experiences of hearing voices (messages from ancestors) is a norm in some cultures
-in the Uk sign of schizophrenia

Question 9

What is meant by failure to function adequately?

Answer 9

When someone is unable to cope with demand of everyday life ( nutrition & hygiene)

Question 10

What two people proposed certain indicators for when someone is not coping ?

Answer 10

Rosenhan & Seligman (1989)

Question 11

What signs did Rosenhan and Seligman propose?

Answer 11

• when a person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules
• person experiences personal distress
• person’s behavior becomes irrational to themselves or others

Question 12

What is deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 12

When someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health

Question 13

Who proposed a criteria for good mental health ?

Answer 13

Jahoda

Question 14

Jahodas criteria

Answer 14

-we self-actualise
-environmental mastery
-high self esteem
-autonomy
-resisting stress
-accurate perception of reality ( rational)

Question 15

Why does the FFA criteria represents a sensible threshold for help?

Answer 15

-threshold for when professional help is needed
-according to health charity mind 25% of ppl in UK will experience a mental health problem within a given year
-criteria means treatments can be targeted to those who need the most

Question 16

One weakness of the FFA definition is that abnormality is…

Answer 16

not always associated with dysfunction

Question 17

Give an example of why abnormality is not always associated with dysfunction?

Answer 17

Harold Shipman (a doctor who murdered many women) seemed to be coping with everyday living — abnormal behavior could be judged normal hence someone who needs to treatment could go unnoticed

Question 18

Why is the FFA criteria discriminatory and controlling?

Answer 18

Labels non-standard lifestyle choices as abnormal eg not having a job or permanent address = abnormal» but people with alternative lifestyles chose to live “ off-grid”

People who make unusual choices are at risk of being labeled abnormal and their freedom of choice may be restricted

Question 19

Why is Jahodas criteria for ideal mental health highly comprehensive ?

Answer 19

-Distinguishes mental health from illness >
-covers why we might seek or be referred for help with mental health
-means individuals health can be discussed meaningfully with a range of professionals who have different theoretical views

> provides checklist in which we can assess oursleves & others

Question 20

Why is Jahoda’s criteria culturallly bound ?

Answer 20

-Criteria for IMH located in the context of US and Europe ( eg self actualisation) > dismissed as self- indulgent in collectivist cultures such as India and China
-westerns place high value on independences & what defines success differs in different cultures