Definitions Of Abnormality

Question 1

statistical infrequency

Answer 1

a mental disorder or behaviour is very rare
- normal distribution curve- mean,median, mode is at the highest point so it’s common (normal) at each end there are fewer people with those behaviours so it’s abnormal
Eg asking everyone in the class there fear of dogs on a scale rating 1-10 most figures are clustered in the middle 4,5,6,7

Question 2

AO3 statistical infrequency

Answer 2

+ mostly used in clinical diagnosis for mental health disorders
- asses severity of the disorder- eg schizophrenia is only affected by 1% of population- make treatments-practical value
—some abnormal behaviours are desirable
-It is abnormal to have an IQ over 150- desirable to be a genius

Question 3

failure to function adequately

Answer 3

a persons abnormal behaviours or mental state is preventing them from leading a normal life
Ie eating, washing clothes,
Rosenhan seligman

Question 4

AO3 failure to function adequately

Answer 4

—labelling patients as lazy,strange or crazy
-traditional and negative stereotypes on mental disorders- not everyone with a mental disorder needs a diagnosis- not right support
+ allow us to recognise the subjective experience of the patient
- we can view the mental disorder from the point of view if the person experiencing it- judge objectively ie listing the behaviours

Question 5

deviation from social norms

Answer 5

abnormal behaviour is based upon straying away form the social expectations in society
Eg acceptance of homosexuality and acceptable food and how we eat it

Question 6

AO3- deviation from social norms

Answer 6

+able to distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviours
- takes in account the effects abnormal behaviours have on others- practical value as it identifies undesirable and desirable behaviours
— suffers from cultural relativism
- eg hallucinations or hearing voices- some cultures would view this symptom positively ie connection with spirits and ancestors

Question 7

deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 7

Jahoda
What factors would compromise the ideal mental health ie
Having positive view of self (self esteem high), capable of personal growth and self actualisation, being independent of others, accurate view of reality, able to integrate and resist stress, master environment

Question 8

AO3 deviation of ideal mental health

Answer 8

— unrealistic expectation on mental health
- vast majority unable to maintain this criteria- vast majority is abnormal we all have stress- stress can be beneficial
—cultural relativism
-self actualisation- putting self first- seen as selfish in collectivist cultures