Definitions of Abnormality

Question 1

What is Deviation from social norms ?

Answer 1

When a person behaves in a way that is different from how we expect them to behave

Question 2

What is the evaluation for deviation from social norms ?

Answer 2

. Not a sole explanation
. Cultural relativism
. Can lead to human right abuse

Question 3

What is failure to function adequately ?

Answer 3

Rosenhan and Seligman
^ no longer cope with demands of everyday life and fail to function adequately

Question 4

What is the evaluation for failure to function adequately ?

Answer 4

. Patients perspective
. Is it a deviation from social norms ?
. Subjective judgement

Question 5

What is statistic infrequency ?

Answer 5

Less common characteristic (abnormal) - stat deviation. Lower than 70 IQ is abnormal

Question 6

What is the evaluation for statistical infrequency ?

Answer 6

. Real life application
. Unusual characteristics can be positive
. Not everyone benefits from a label

Question 7

What is deviation from ideal mental health ?

Answer 7

Jahoda suggested we are in good MH if we meet a certain criteria. E.g:
- no symptoms of distress
- cope with stress
^ 8 in total

Question 8

What is the evaluation for deviation from ideal MH ?

Answer 8

. comprehensive definition - covers a broad range
. cultural relativism
. not everyone benefits from a label