definitions of abnormality

Question 1

What does the statistical infrequency method use to define abnormality?

Answer 1

The statistical infrequency method uses a normal distribution to define abnormality by numerical values.

Question 2

In the context of statistical infrequency, where are individuals deemed abnormal on a normal distribution?

Answer 2

Individuals deemed abnormal are on either end of the scale of a normal distribution, while those that fit the norm lie in the middle.

Question 3

How is normal behavior defined using statistical infrequency?

Answer 3

Normal behavior is defined by referring to the typical values that fall within the middle of the normal distribution.

Question 4

What is a strength of the statistical infrequency method in defining abnormality?

Answer 4

A strength is that it can be praised for its objective nature, as it establishes clear, numerical guidelines for defining abnormality, reducing subjectivity and personal interpretations.

Question 5

Why is the objective nature of statistical infrequency important for mental health workers?

Answer 5

It is important because it allows mental health workers to view behaviors in the same way using standardized measurements, making the definition more accurate.

Question 6

Despite its objectivity, what issue arises when using statistical infrequency to define abnormal behavior?

Answer 6

Despite its objectivity, there are issues of subjectivity in determining the cutoff point for abnormal behaviors, as people may have different opinions on what constitutes abnormal levels (e.g., the number of hours of sleep).

Question 7

Give an example of how subjectivity can affect the determination of abnormal behavior.

Answer 7

A common symptom of depression is a lack of sleep; some people may consider anything less than 6 hours as abnormal, while others may argue that the cutoff is 5 hours, leading to disagreements in defining abnormal behavior.

Question 8

What is a limitation of statistical infrequency in distinguishing types of behaviors?

Answer 8

A limitation is that it fails to distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviors. For example, having a high IQ is not considered a problem, whereas depressive symptoms, although common, could be mistakenly identified as normal.

Question 9

Why might statistical infrequency mistakenly identify behaviors?

Answer 9

Because it may mistakenly identify behaviors due to not distinguishing between desirable and undesirable traits, thereby misclassifying certain behaviors as normal or abnormal incorrectly.

Question 10

How might statistical infrequency exclude some mental health disorders?

Answer 10

It might exclude some mental health disorders because some disorders, like depression, are relatively common and show typical values on a normal distribution, making them appear as normal rather than abnormal.

Question 11

Why should we be cautious when using statistical infrequency to measure abnormal levels?

Answer 11

We should be cautious because statistical infrequency might not accurately identify all abnormal behaviors and could exclude common disorders. It should not be used alone to measure abnormal levels.

Question 12

How does the deviation from social norms define abnormal behavior?

Answer 12

Abnormal behavior is defined as behavior that is not considered socially acceptable.

Question 13

What is a norm in the context of social behavior?

Answer 13

A norm is an unwritten, implicit rule in society about how one should behave.

Question 14

Give an example of behavior that deviates from social norms.

Answer 14

Turning up to work in beachwear every day is an example of behavior that deviates from social norms.

Question 15

What is the difference between explicit and implicit expectations?

Answer 15

Explicit expectations are those that form laws governing behavior, while implicit expectations are unwritten rules that are generally accepted.

Question 16

What is one strength of defining abnormality by deviation from social norms?

Answer 16

One strength is that this definition is flexible, as it adapts to societal norms rather than relying on strict numerical values.

Question 17

Why is the flexibility of the deviation from social norms definition considered a strength?

Answer 17

It considers societal norms and can differentiate between rare but desirable traits, like a high IQ, which do not need to be viewed as problems.

Question 18

How is the deviation from social norms more practical compared to statistical infrequency?

Answer 18

It offers a practical definition that aligns with societal rules and adapts to changing norms, unlike the rigid numerical approach of statistical infrequency.

Question 19

What is a limitation of using deviation from social norms to define abnormality?

Answer 19

A limitation is that it is subjective, as behaviors considered abnormal depend on the context in which they occur.

Question 20

Provide an example of how the context affects the definition of abnormal behavior.

Answer 20

Wearing minimal clothes is normal on a beach but abnormal in a formal setting like a classroom; chanting is acceptable at a football game but not in a classroom.

Question 21

Why can’t deviation from social norms fully explain abnormality on its own?

Answer 21

Because it is related to both the context and the degree of behavior, making it insufficient to explain all aspects of abnormality.

Question 22

How does cultural relativism present a limitation for deviation from social norms?

Answer 22

Cultural relativism means that what is considered acceptable varies between cultures, leading to cultural bias and potential mislabeling of behaviors as abnormal.

Question 23

What is cultural bias, and how does it affect the definition of abnormality?

Answer 23

Cultural bias occurs when one culture’s norms are used to judge another culture’s behaviors, which can lead to incorrect labeling of normal behaviors as abnormal.

Question 24

What is ethnocentrism, and how does it relate to deviation from social norms?

Answer 24

Ethnocentrism is judging other cultures by the standards of one’s own culture. In the context of deviation from social norms, it can lead to misdiagnosis or incorrect labeling of behaviors as abnormal.

Question 25

Give an example of how ethnocentrism can affect the diagnosis of mental health conditions.

Answer 25

In the UK, people of Afro-Caribbean heritage are 7 times more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia, partly because their religious experiences, like hallucinations, are viewed as abnormal by the dominant white European culture.

Question 26

Why is deviation from social norms a limited definition when applied across different cultures?

Answer 26

Because societal norms differ between cultures, leading to problems like cultural bias and ethnocentrism when defining abnormality.

Question 27

What does “failure to function adequately” mean in the context of defining abnormality?

Answer 27

It means someone is considered abnormal if they cannot cope with the demands of everyday life.

Question 28

What is the first criterion for failure to function adequately?

Answer 28

The first criterion is personal distress in response to their thoughts, behavior, and situations.

Question 29

What is the second criterion for failure to function adequately?

Answer 29

The second criterion is irrationality, where a person’s behavior may become dangerous to themselves and others.

Question 30

How does this definition view someone who cannot perform general everyday tasks like showering and washing up?

Answer 30

It views them as abnormal because they cannot perform general everyday tasks.

Question 31

What is one weakness of this definition of abnormality?

Answer 31

One weakness is that it requires someone to judge whether the behavior is abnormal, which can be subjective.

Question 32

Give an example of subjective judgment in determining abnormal behavior.

Answer 32

A patient who is distressed because they cannot pay their bills might be judged as abnormal by one person but seen as facing normal adult challenges by another.

Question 33

What is a strength of the “failure to function adequately” definition?

Answer 33

A strength is that it recognizes the subjective experience of the individual, allowing mental disorders to be regarded from the sufferer’s perspective.

Question 34

How does cultural bias affect the definition of abnormality based on failure to function?

Answer 34

Cultural bias affects this definition because different cultures have different standards for how individuals should live, leading to varying diagnoses.

Question 35

Why might some dysfunctional behavior actually serve a functional purpose?

Answer 35

Some dysfunctional behavior, like an eating disorder, might bring attention and affection that the individual craves and finds rewarding.

Question 36

Can abnormality exist without observable dysfunctional traits? Give an example.

Answer 36

Yes, abnormality can exist without observable dysfunctional traits. For example, Harold Shipman was an abnormal individual who murdered over 200 patients but appeared to function normally.

Question 37

What does “deviation from ideal mental health” mean in defining abnormality?

Answer 37

It means assessing mental health by looking for signs that suggest an absence of well-being and classifying deviations from normal functioning as abnormal.

Question 38

Who provided the set of characteristics that define normal mental health in this context?

Answer 38

Jahoda (1958) provided the set of characteristics.

Question 39

What are the characteristics of ideal mental health according to Jahoda?

Answer 39

The characteristics are:

Positive attitudes towards oneself
Self-actualisation
Autonomy
Accurate perception of reality
Resisting stress
Environmental mastery

Question 40

What does having a positive attitude towards oneself entail?

Answer 40

It involves having high self-esteem and a strong sense of personal identity.

Question 41

What is meant by self-actualisation?

Answer 41

It refers to experiencing personal growth and development towards one’s potential.

Question 42

What is autonomy in the context of ideal mental health?

Answer 42

Autonomy is being independent, self-reliant, and able to make personal decisions.

Question 43

How is an accurate perception of reality defined?

Answer 43

It is perceiving the world in a non-distorted way with an objective and realistic view.

Question 44

What does resisting stress involve?

Answer 44

It involves having effective coping strategies and being able to handle everyday anxiety-provoking situations.

Question 45

What is environmental mastery?

Answer 45

It is being competent in all aspects of life, meeting the demands of all situations, and having the flexibility to adapt to changes in life circumstances.

Question 46

How does this definition determine if someone is abnormal?

Answer 46

The more characteristics a person fails to meet, the more likely they are to be classed as abnormal.

Question 47

What is a major criticism of this definition of abnormality?

Answer 47

A major criticism is that the criteria for being classed as normal are over-demanding and unrealistic.

Question 48

Why are Jahoda’s criteria considered subjective and difficult to measure?

Answer 48

They are vague and require subjective opinions to determine where the cut-off points are for traits like self-esteem, personal growth, or environmental mastery.

Question 49

How does cultural bias affect this definition of abnormality?

Answer 49

Jahoda’s criteria are based on Western ideals, which may not be applicable to other cultures, leading to incorrect diagnoses of abnormality in people from different cultures or socio-economic backgrounds.

Question 50

Give an example of how cultural differences might impact the assessment of ideal mental health.

Answer 50

In collectivist cultures, communal goals are valued over personal autonomy, so Jahoda’s criteria might not be suitable for diagnosing abnormality in such cultures.

Question 51

How might socio-economic background influence the likelihood of meeting Jahoda’s criteria?

Answer 51

People from poorer backgrounds may struggle more with achieving these ideal criteria compared to those with vast resources and support, potentially leading to a biased diagnosis of abnormality.