Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards
what is the deviation from social norms defintion
when individuals do not fit in and comply with the social norms and then seen as abnormal
whats a strength of the deviation from social norms definition
it is a comprehensive definition
doesnt impose a Western view of abnormality on other non-Western cultures
what is a limitation of the defintion of deviation from social norms
it is culture bound - different cultures have different socials norms
social norms vary and change over time
whats the failure to function adequately definition
when an individual is struggling to cope with everyday living
whats a strength of the FFA defintion
takes the individuals experiences into account
whats a limitation of the ffa defintion
abnormality is normal > this definition doesnt take into account that it is normal to behave abnormally sometimes e.g. loss of a loved one
what is the deviation from ideal mental health definition
6 characteristics suggested by Jahoda that an individual should display if they have a good mental healthy and anyone who deviates from them is considered abnormal
whats a strength for the deviation from ideal mental health definition
its a comprehensive defintion and has a holistic approach (looks at the whole indivdual rather than just the single behaviours
whats a limitation of the deviation from mental health definition
its culture specific > collectivists would see autonomy as undesirable
changes over time
overdemanding criteria > not everyone can check off all aspects of the criteria
whats the statistical infrequency defintion
when an individual has less or more of a characteristic
what is a strength of the statistical infrequency definition
reliable as it uses an objective, standardised measure
whats a limitation of the statistical infrequency definition
not all characteristics are undesirable e.g. having a high IQ
