definitions of abnormality

Question 1

statistical infrequency

Answer 1

Behaviour which doesn’t occur many times in a given population would be considered abnormal numerically. e.g. iq can range from a low score: people with an IQ below 70 are considered to have a learning disability, to a high score- people with over 140 are considered geniuses.

Question 2

AO3 statistical infrequency

Answer 2

Some behaviours that are are numerically are actually seen as desirable e.g. having a high IQ.
Some undesirable behaviours like depression are actually very common compared to other disorders like schizophrenia.–> this means defining abnormality in terms of whether the behaviour is numerically rare is unhelpful

Question 3

Deviation from social norms

Answer 3

Abnormal behaviour is seen as a deviation from unstated social norms about how one ‘ought’ to behave e.g. when someone is disruptive on public transport, that can be viewed as abnormal.
Social norms have changed over time e.g. in the past it was seen as abnormal + a mental illness to be homosexual and could even result in you being charged as a criminal

Question 4

AO3 deviation from social norms

Answer 4

Limitation:
Allows for those in power to classify what is/isn’t a mental illness based on their own views e.g. 50 years ago in Russia, anyone who disagreed w/ the state ran the risk of being labelled as insane and placed in an institution.
Strength:
Helps distinguish a difference between desirable + undesirable behaviours.

Question 5

Failure to function adequately

Answer 5

Not being able to function, causing distress + suffering for the individual and others.
Behaviour displayed would be unpredictable or irrational which interferes with their daily lives.

Question 6

AO3 failure to function adequately

Answer 6

Strength:
It recognises the subjective experience of the patient, so we can view mental health from their perspective: the DSM (diagnostic synoptic manual) includes an assessment of ability of function called WHODAS, listing behaviours which the individual would rate on a scale from 1-5.
Provides a quantitative measure of functioning.
Limitation:
Who’s to say the way they’re behaving is abnormal, if the individual is content whos to stop them?

Question 7

Deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 7

Jahoda suggested that we are in good mental health if we meet the following:
-no symptoms or distress, rational + can perceive ourselves accurately
-personal growth/ ability to reach full potential
-ability to cope w/ stress
-have a realistic view of the world
-have good self esteem
-are autonomous
-can work successfully, love + enjoy leisure time

Question 8

AO3 deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 8

Places unrealistic standards which very few people would actually be able to achieve,
Some of the classifications are specific to western EU + North American individualistic cultures e.g. the emphasis on personal achievement etc, whereas collectivist cultures value the family/community rather than just the individual themself.