Definitions of Abnormality

Question 1

How does statistical infrequency define abnormality?

Answer 1

abnormality is behaviour that is statistically uncommon/rare

Question 2

What is the normal distribution graph?

Answer 2

a symmetrical spread of data that forms a bell shaped curve - represents the proportions of a population who share a particular characteristic e.g: IQ

Question 3

What are 2 strengths of statistical infrequency?

Answer 3

1. provides an objective way of defining ‘abnormal’ based on statistical data. Making it easy to test and to use as an analytical tool.
2. real life application - clinical assessments use statistical norms to determine whether a patient’s results fall within the expected range or if they are unusual, which can help in diagnosing conditions or tracking progress.

Question 4

What are 2 limitations of statistical infrequency?

Answer 4

1. Cultural Bias - different cultures have different norms thus different statistical averages.
2. Statistical Infrequency wouldn’t recognise depression as abnormal behaviour - because of the high prevalence rate, which means depression isn’t statistically deviant. -

If depression is deemed not statistically deviant, then SI is not a fully valid measure of abnormality

Question 5

How does deviation from social norms define abnormality?

Answer 5

abnormality is any behaviour which breaks the unwritten rules within a society/culture

Question 6

one strength of using deviation of social norms to measure abnormality

Answer 6

1. real life application - used in clinical practise for things like antisocial behaviour disorder.

Question 7

4 limitations of using deviation from social norms to measure abnormality

Answer 7

1. cultural bias - social norms differ around the world and within subcultures e.g homosexuality/ hearing voices
2. Things deemed as “normal” change over time (single mothers) - and is influenced by politics.
3. doesnt acknowledge context so it cant offer a full explanation of abnormality
4. subjective definition of abnormality.

Question 8

How does failure to function adequately define abnormality?

Answer 8

abnormality is when someone is unable to cope with the demands of daily life which results in distress

Question 9

What is deemed as “coping with everyday life”

Answer 9

• good hygiene
• good eating habits
• attending work/ school
• socialising with others

Question 10

What are 3 everyday tasks that individuals with FTFA might struggle to cope with?

Answer 10

Showering frequently
Household chores
Bills and other financial issues

Question 11

How can FTFA affect a persons work life?

Answer 11

a reduction in income
job loss
lack of contact with colleagues

Question 12

How can FTFA damage personal relationships?

Answer 12

Increased conflict with friends and family due to erratic, disturbing behaviour

Work colleagues may distance themselves from the person

Question 13

Who identified the distinct signs that indicate FTFA

Answer 13

Rosenham and Seligman

Question 14

What are 4 signs that indicate FTFA according to Rosenham & Seligman

Answer 14

• severe personal distress
• behaviour which seems to go against social norms
• behaving irrationally
• self inflicted harm

Question 15

2 strengths of using FTFA to measure abnormality

Answer 15

• provides clear guidelines for the classification and diagnosis of abnormality as it is focused on observable signs.
• checklists (such as those provided by Rosenham + Seligman) can be used to assess the degree of FTFA - which increases the reliability and objectivity of the measure

Question 16

limitations of using FTFA to define abnormality

Answer 16

• FTFA is an overly subjective measure as ones lack of hygiene may be another’s eco friendly refusal to use deodorant - which means that the FTFA measure may lack validity.
• ignores context

Question 17

How does deviation from ideal mental health define abnormality?

Answer 17

to diagnose abnormality/ mental illness it is only necessary to look for the lack of ideal mental health signals/ behaviours in someone.

Question 18

Who suggested that there are 6 characteristics an individual should display if they have ideal mental health?

Answer 18

Marie Jahoda

Question 19

What are the six characteristics that display ideal mental health - according to Jahoda

Answer 19

• positive attitudes towards self (high self esteem)
• self actualisation
• autonomy
• resistance to stress
• accurate perception of reality
• environmental mastery

Question 20

2 strengths of using DIMH to define abnormality

Answer 20

• positive and holistic approach - can be used as criteria for self referal
• positive measure of abnormality and has useful real world application - can be used as the basis for therapy with its emphasis on the whole person and wellbeing

Question 21

2 limitations of DIMH

Answer 21

• very unrealistic and demanding - doesnt look at context
• culturally biased definiton
• our perception of reality changes over time