DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY

Question 1

Burger for statistical infrequency (definitions of abnormality)

Answer 1

B: Abnormality defined by rarity; behaviors that are statistically rare are considered abnormal.
U: Uses frequency graphs; extremes indicate deviation from the norm.
R: IQ below 70 classified as intellectually disabled.
G: Can’t distinguish desirable from undesirable behaviors.
E: Desirable behaviors (e.g., high IQ) can also be rare.
R: Cultural relativism; statistical norms differ by population.

Question 2

Burger for deviation from social norms (definitions of abnormality)

Answer 2

B: Abnormality based on societal standards; behavior deviating from norms is abnormal.
U: Norms are set by societal values and can be implicit or defined by law.
R: DSM uses social norms for some diagnoses.
G: Susceptible to abuse; norms change over time.
E: Behaviors acceptable in one context may not be in another.
R: Cultural relativism; norms vary between cultures.

Question 3

burger for Failure to function adequately (definitions of abnormality)

Answer 3

B: Abnormality if a person cannot manage daily life effectively.
U: Defined by distress caused to self or others.
R: WHODAS used to assess functioning.
G: Subjectivity in measuring distress; behaviors can be functional.
E: Some distressing behaviors (e.g., depression) may be rewarding.
R: Cultural differences in functioning; non-traditional lifestyles may be seen as inadequate.

Question 4

burger for deviation from ideal mental health (definitions of abnormality)

Answer 4

B: Abnormality is lacking characteristics of psychological well-being.
U: Jahoda’s criteria (e.g., self-actualization, high self-esteem) used for assessment.
R: High self-esteem is one criterion for ideal mental health.
G: Unrealistic; most people don’t meet all criteria.
E: Ideal criteria may not be practical for diagnosing mental health.
R: Culture-bound; criteria like self-actualization may not apply in collectivist cultures.