Definitions of abnormality

Question 1

Define ‘Deviations from Social Norms’

Answer 1

When a behaviour is different from the ‘acceptable’ social norms of a group, community or society.

This is context dependent as it varies between time frames and cultures. There are very few behaviours that are universally abnormal.

Question 2

Examples of deviation from social norms

Answer 2

• Dressing inappropriately for a certain context
• Criminal activity
• Eye contact/ personal space

Question 3

AO3: Strength of deviation from social norms theory

Answer 3

Real life application

In diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder. Place for this in thinking about normality and abnormality. But there are other factors, such as distress, resulting from this disorder (potential weakness). May have to use failure to function adequately alongside; cannot be the sole definition.

Question 4

AO3: Weakness of deviation from social norms theory.

Answer 4

Defines behaviour as communally abnormal, when it may differ hugely across generations or communities. Standards differing may lead to defining an individual as abnormal when in their culture this definition would not stand.
eg. hearing voices may be socially acceptable in some cultures but would be seen as a mental abnormality in the UK.

Problem from people from one culture living in another.

Question 5

Define failure to function adequately.

Answer 5

When an individual is unable to cope with the ordinary demands of everyday life.

Question 6

Research- failure to function adequately

Answer 6

Rosenham and Seligman (1989)
Someone is failing to function when…
- No longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules (eye contact, personal space)
- Experiences severe personal distress
- Behaviour is irrational and dangerous to themselves or others.

Question 7

Examples- failure to function adequately

Answer 7

• Behaviour that causes discomfort to observers, like not keeping good hygiene.
• Louding talking to oneself
• Issues with eye contact and personal space.

Question 8

AO3: Strength of failure to function adequately

Answer 8

Attempts to include the subjective experience of the individual.
This acknowledges that the experience of the patient is important despite it not being an entirely satisfactory approach due to difficulty in assessing distress. Useful criterion for assessing abnormality.

Question 9

AO3: Weakness of failure to function adequately

Answer 9

Can be hard to say when someone is failing to function or when they are deviating from social norms.
eg. no job or permanent address- could be an alternative lifestyle.
EXtreme sports could be said to be maladaptive, religious belief as irrational.Labelling risks limiting personal freedom and discrimination.

Question 10

Define statistical deviation.

Answer 10

When an individual has a less common characteristic than the rest of the population, based on the statistical ‘norm’.

Question 11

Examples of statistical deviation.

Answer 11

Extreme IQ scores.
Exceptionally higher IQ could lead to label as ‘gifted’.
Lower can be applied to special educational needs.

Question 12

AO3: Strength of statistical deviation

Answer 12

Real life application
in diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder. Place for thinking about normal and abnormal behaviour. All assessments of patients include measurements of the severity of symptoms compared to statistical norms.
Useful part of clinical assessment.

Question 13

AO3: Weakness of statistical deviation

Answer 13

IQ scores of over 130 are just as unusual as those below 70, but super intelligence is not an undesirable characteristic that should be expected to be treated. Low frequency does create abnormality, shouldn’t require treatment to return to normality.

Limitation-> it would never be used alone.

Question 14

Define deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 14

When an individual does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health.

Question 15

Research for deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 15

Marie Jahoda (1958)provided six criteria for IMH:
- Positive attitude to self
- Self-actualisation
- Autonomy
- Resistance to stress
- Environmental mastery
- Accurate perception of reality
(SEARAP)
Jahoda stated that for ideal mental health to be achieved the individual should experience all of these criteria for optimum ideal mental health and that if some are not fulfilled the person will experience difficulties

Question 16

Positive attitude towards the self

Answer 16

This is linked to the individual’s level of self-esteem. For ideal mental health the positive attitude should be at a good level, so that the individual feels happy with themselves.

Question 17

Self-actualisation

Answer 17

Self-actualisation is being in a state of contentment, feeling that you have become the best you can be.

Question 18

Autonomy

Answer 18

This is having the independence and self-reliance. The ability to function as an individual and not depending on others.

Question 19

Resistance to stress

Answer 19

This criteria is that an individual should not feel under stress and they should be able to handle stressful situations competently.

Question 20

Environmental mastery

Answer 20

Having environmental mastery means that the person can adapt to new situations and be at ease at all situations in their life.

Question 21

Accurate perception of reality

Answer 21

This criteria is focused on how the individual sees the world around them and to achieve ideal mental health they should have a perspective that is similar to how others see the world. This is focused very much on the distortions of thinking that some people, e.g. people with schizophrenia, may experience

Question 22

AO3: Strength of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 22

Comprehensive definition
Covers broad range of criteria for mental health. Probably covers most reasons someone would seek help from mental health services. Range of factors in Jahoda’s theory make it a good tool.

Question 23

AO3: Weakness of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 23

Could be said to be specific to Western European and North American cultures (culture bound).
Emphasis on personal achievement in concept of self-actualisation would be considered self indulgent- focus on the individual.
Much of the world would see independence from others as a bad thing. Typical of individualist cultures.

Question 24

What criteria does Marie Jahoda reject for positive mental health?

Answer 24

1. absence of disease
2. statistical normality
3. well-being

Question 25

Absence of disease

Answer 25

• notion of mental disease is not clear
• not possible to find physiological causes for most mental diseases
• cultural differences