definitions of abnormality Flashcards
1
Q
4 definitions of abnormality
A
- deviation from social norms
- statistical infrequency
- failure to function adequately
- deviation from ideal mental health
2
Q
description of deviation from social norms
A
- social norms are behavs that are seen as acceptable and expected within a given society
- behave diff= abnormal
- includes behav that can make others anxious
3
Q
evaluation of deviation from social norms
A
- social norms change over time: homosexulaity
- deviating from norm doesnt always indicate abnormality: naturists
- value of breaking social norm: sufferagetes
- conforming neurotics
4
Q
description of statistical infrequency
A
- any relatively usual behav seen as normal
- abnormality defined as behavs that are less common
5
Q
evaluation of statistical infrequency
A
- real life application: diagnosis of intellectual disability disorders
- objective: mathmatical nature
- some abnormal behavs are desirable: high IQ
6
Q
description of failure to function adequately
A
- abnormal when behaviour means cannot cope with everyday life
- behaviour disrupts ability to work/ have rel
- behav considered abnormal if causes suffering/ distress to others
7
Q
evaluation of failure to function adequately
A
- can be abnormal and still function- psychopaths
- subjective nature of features- different experiences of ditress
- normal to be distressed at times- death of loved one
8
Q
description of deviation from ideal mental health
A
- focuses on defining normal than abnormal
- Jahoda’s criteria: pos atttiude towards self, self actualisation, autonomy, resitsance to stress, accurate perception of reality, matery of environment.
9
Q
evaluation of deviation from ideal mental health
A
- overdemanding criteria: many wont meet
- subjective criteria: vague
- views change over time: seeing visions seen as positive thing
10
Q
evaluation point for all definitions of abnormality
A
definitions culturally relative:
definitions of what culturallu acceptable/ normal in one culture not in another. cannot gen
