definitions of abnormality Flashcards
4 definitions of abnormality
- statistical infrequency
- deviation from social norms
- failure to function adequately
- deviation from ideal mental health
statistical infrequency AO1
uses descriptive statistics, specifically measures of dispersion, normal is what is statistically most frequent - find out what is infrequent by how far it deviates from the mean - normal distribution curve indicates those who fall furhter from the mean are defined as abnormal
statistical infrequency evaluations
- tend to associate abnormality with undesirable behaviour but some behaviours that are infrequent are desirable e.g high IQ = cant distinguish between un/desirable behaviour and fails to combine infrequency and undesirable behviour
- who decides cut off point between normal and abnormal and who decides what is normal behaviour = too subjective
- good starting point, some disorders only classified as disorders if persons intellectual ability falls beyond 2SD = objective and rigorous method
deviation from social norms AO1
social norms = unwritten rules of expected behaviour that are created by society, creates a sense of social solidarity and cohesion between culture, anyone who goes against these rules is seen as abnormal, some are illegal and some are just looked down on
deviation from social norms evaluations
- cultural relativism, behaviour functions normal in the culture it was established, but when seen out of context it may be classed as abnormal, african cultures likely to be wrongfully diagnosed with mental illness in western hospitals = have an imposed ethic (believe their culture is superior)
- susceptible to abuse, norms change throughout time and across cultures, say its a way to classify those who fail to conform and remove them from public domain, such stigma may prevent progress of society
- does distinguish between un/desirable behaviour and explains how abnormality can affect society
failure to fucntion adequately AO1
if someone is unable to cope with everyday life and execute tasks that are considered a part of an ordinary day to day life e.g eating+sleeping, may cause distress to both individual and others, Rosenham and Seligman define ability to function into 7 sections e.g unpredictability, can be measured with global assessment of functioning scale
failure to function adequately evaluations
- fails to consider individual difference, one person may have OCD and have to exibit rituals preventing them from functioning and someone else may have same rituals but still manage to function = will be diagnosed different by how well they can manage it = questions validity
- criteria represents a sensible threshold for when people need help, most have symptoms of a mental disorder but only those who cant function look for help = treatment is targeted at those who need it most
- confusion between ftfa and dfsn, someone may just be choosing an alternate lifestyle + defining their choices as failing means freedom is gone
deviation from ideal mental health AO1
absence of physical signs (self-attitudes = high self-esteem, personal growth+self actualisation = develops to full potential, resistance to stress = coping strategies, autonomy = independance, accurate perception of reality = not delusional and environmental mastery = competent in all aspects of life)
deviation from ideal mental health evaluations
- criteria criticised for being too ideal as most people dont embody criteria, no quantitative method of assessing and measuring = not practical and too vague/subjective
- positive and holistic stance as it starts off from defining ideal mental health, considers desirable behaviour first and whole person = comprehensive covering a broad range of criteria
- cultural relativism, criteria could be considered western, other cultures emphasis on community over individualism (personal growth criteria) = isnt universalistic
