Definitions Of Abnormality Flashcards
define cultural relativism
The view that behaviour cannot be judged properly unless it is viewed in the context of the culture in which it originates.
what is statistical infrequency?
Abnormality is defined as behaviours that are extremely rare, people who are abnormal are at extreme ends of statistics.
Example: if a group of people where asked to state their fear of dogs from 1-10 the average would be 4-7 (near the middle), however some may say 1 or 10, which is opposing ends of the norm.
what is deviation from social norms?
Norms crated by a group of people/society which fits the ‘standards of acceptable behaviour’, anyone who differentiates from the norms would be considered abnormal.
Example: in the past, homosexuality was considered abnormal and a mental disorder due to its deviation from social norms.
why are some abnormal behaviours desirable? (limitation of statistical infrequency)
Abnormalities such as a high IQ over 150 could be considered desirable. Equally, normal qualities such as experiencing depression would be considered undesirable. Therefore, using statistical infrequence to define abnormalities will mean we cannot distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviours.
why is the cut-off point subjected? (limitation of statistical infrequency)
To define abnormality a cut off between what makes something abnormal and something normal, must be decided. E.g. a symptom of depression is difficulty sleeping, some may believe this is less than 6hrs, others may say int is anything less than 4hrs. Therefore it means hat defining abnormality is quite difficult, in terms of statistical infrequency.
why is it that statistical infrequency can be appropriate in some situations? (limitation of statistical infrequency)
It is said that anyone with an IQ that is more than 2 standard deviations below the mean, have a mental disorder. Such a diagnosis is only made when using both SI and failure to function adequately . This suggest statistical infrequency can only be used along with other tools.
what is a limitation of deviation from social norms that includes social acceptability?
Behaviours there were not socially acceptable 50yrs ago are most likely acceptable now. E.g. most countries in the world accept homosexuality, but in the past it was considered a mental disorder. Therefore, defining abnormality in terms of deviation from social norms may create danger of definitions being based on previous social morals.
why is deviance relating to context and degree a limitation of deviation from social norms?
Judgements on deviance are often related to the context of behaviour, for example, someone wearing a bikini on the beach is considered normal, but wearing s bikini at a formal gathering would be considered abnormal. Therefore social deviance itself cannot create a compete definition of abnormality because it relates to context and degree.
what’s a strength of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality?
Deviation from social norms does distinguish between desirable and desirable behaviours, which was absent from statistical frequency. It takes into account the impact of the behaviour on others, according to this definition, abnormal behaviour is linked to damaging others.Therefore, this definition provides a useful way of identifying abnormal behaviours that are undesirable and potentially damaging.
