Definitions Of Abnormality Flashcards
Statistical Infrequency
Very rare
Abnormal behaviour
Standard deviation= how far it falls on either side
E.g. IQ mean - 100
Standard D IQ= 15
68%= 85- 115
95% = 70 - 130
Deviation from social norms
Behaviour that doesn’t fit with what is societally acceptable
Changes across cultures
Slight e.g. UK queueing
Implicit e.g. laughing at funeral
Failure to function adequately
Unable to cope with everyday life
E.g. Unpredictability or irrationality
Global Assessment Functioning Scale used to measure (GAF) - considers Rosenhan x Seligman’s definitions
E.g. schizophrenia is abnormal as distressing to others
Deviation from ideal Mental Health
Jahoda 1958- 6 criteria
Need to be fulfilled for ‘normal’ mental health
1) Positive view towards self
2) Self- actualisation
3) Autonomy
4) Resistance to Stress
5) Environmental mastery
6) Accurate perception of reality
AO3: STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY
✅ IRL benefits
E.g. diagnosis of intellectual disability
Useful part of clinical assessment
Help support ++ Q of L
❌ Doesn’t distinguish between un/ desirable
Few over 130 IQ, yet desirable
Lack of clarification
– accuracy X validity
AO3: DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS
✅ Includes issue of desirability
E.g genius not deviates
More useful
++ Applicability
❌Changes over time
E.g. homosexuality
Based on societal attitudes
Changeable definition can lead to abuse x discrimination
❌Cultural diffs
E.g. hearing voices
Cultural relativism
No society is superior
–applicability
AO3: FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATELY
✅Includes subjective experiences
E.g. ppt and ppl around them
Tailored
Avoids feelings of inferiority
More appropriate
❌Personal judgement
Others distressed by behaviour
Reduces validity
AO3: IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH
✅Broad x comprehensive criteria
6 criteria
Covers most reasons: holistically= environ x emotional examples
++ Universality
❌Specific to Western Culture
E.g. self- actualisation seen as selfish
Collectivist cultures Wang community growth
Inappropriate
Not generalisable
What is abnormality
In psychopathology it refers to the study of mental disorders abnormal behaviours
