Definitions Of Abnormality Flashcards
Define Deviation from Social Norms
Behaviour goes against expectations of a community or culture, or what most people do
Outline jahodas criteria for good mental health
Jahoda produced criteria for good mental health:
- Self-attitude
- Perception of reality
- Autonomy
- Resistance to stress
- Self-actualisation
- Environmental mastery
Examples of deviation from social norms
- Drinking alcohol with breakfast
- Selfies at a funeral
- Cheating in an exam
Pros of defining abnormality through deviation from social norms
real life application - disorders like antisocial personality disorder ( ‘failure to conform to normative
behaviour’) can be assessed and diagnosed
Cons of defining abnormality through deviation from social norms
- Reductionist - doesn’t consider factors such as distress
• Cultural relativism - what is normal in one cultural may not be in another
• Poor temporal validity - social norms have changed over time
Examples of deviation from ideal mental health
- Negative self-worth
- Being dependent on others
- Not able to deal with daily stresses
Pros of defining abnormality through ideal mental health
- Comprehensive definition - includes all the reasons why someone might seek help
Cons of defining abnormality through deviation from ideal mental health
- Cultural relativism - ideas like self-actualisation are specific to Western cultures
- Unrealistically high standards - few people will achieve all / most of the ideals
- Subjective
develop to full capabilities
Self-actualisation
The realization or fulfillment of one’s talents and potential
high self-esteem and a personal identity
Self-attitude
A positive view of oneself and a strong sense of self
being able to cope with stressful situations
Resistance to stress
The ability to manage and withstand pressure and tension
adjusting to new environments
Environmental mastery
The ability to adapt and control one’s surroundings
seeing life as it really is, not in a way that nobody else perceives it
Perception of reality
Having an accurate understanding of the world and one’s place in it
being independent and looking after yourself
Autonomy
Independence and self-reliance
What are the signs proposed by Rosenhan and Seligman for failing to cope with the demands of everyday life?
Personal distress
Observer discomfort
Unpredictability
Irrationality
Maladaptiveness
Violation of moral and ideal standards