Definitions of Abnormality

Question 1

What is normal and abnormal

Answer 1

In order to protect and treat people with an abnormality psychologists need to be able to define them as having abnormal psychopathology

Question 2

Definition 1 - Deviation from Social norms A01

Answer 2

Social norms are unwrittten rules in society that we all follow based on moral convections of that culture. A persons thinking or behaviour is considered abnormal if they go against and violate these norms. It is judged by society rather than one person.

Question 3

Definition 1 - Deviation from Social norms AO3

Answer 3

STRENGTHS
- real life application to diagnose antisocial personality disorder
- considers desirability of behaviour

WEAKNESSES
- unreliable as varies across cultures
- doesnt apply across time periods
- suceptibility to abuse

Question 4

Definition 2 - Failure to function adequately A01

Answer 4

A person is considered abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of everday life. Rosenhan and Seligman suggest there is several criteria for failing to function. Suffering and personal distress, irrational beliefs, maladaptive and dangerous behaviour, inability to keep basic standards of hygiene and nutrition, unable to conform to social norms, inability to cope in new situations and work and school and causes other people discomfort due to behaviour.

Question 5

Definition 2 - Failure to function adequately A03

Answer 5

STRENGTHS
- global assessment of functioning scale (GAF)
- could help to diagnose mental illnesses such as depression

WEAKNESSES
- subjective
- doesnt account for extent or degree of behaviour to be considered abnormal
- over inclusive

Question 6

Definition 3 - Statistical Infrequency A01

Answer 6

This definition looks at the number of people within a population who have a certain trait. Any relatively usual trait/ behaviour is normal and if it is rare it is considered abnormal. This can be measured by using normal distribution graph where the middle is the common and normal behaviour and the two extremes are abnormal.

Question 7

Definition 3 - Statistical Infrequency A03

Answer 7

STRENGTHS
- real life application in diagnosing intellectual disability disorder
- more objective asit uses statistics

WEAKNESSES
- doesnt consider desirable behaviour eg high IQ
- subjective as who decided cut off point

Question 8

Definition 4 - Deviation from ideal mental health A01

Answer 8

Jahoda was the first person to look at normal behaviour and what deviates from this is considered abnormal. The criteria is
- positive self esteem
- self actualisation
- ability to cope with stress
- autonomy and independence
- accurate perception of reality
- mastery of the environment

Question 9

Definition 4 - Deviation from ideal mental health A03

Answer 9

STRENGTHS
- distinguishes between normal and abnormal
- looks at what is needed for positive mental health and helps people to self improve and work towards a goal

WEAKNESSES
- unrealistically high standards
- subjective - how far do you have to deviate?
- collectivist cultures could be classified as abnormal as they dont value independence.