Definitions Of Abnormality Flashcards
What is statistical infrequency?
Any individual who falls outside of the normal distribution is perceived as abnormal
What are the four definitions of abnormality?
Statistical infrequency
Deviation from social norms
Failure to function adequately
Deviation from ideal mental health
What is cultural relativism?
Human behaviour cannot be judged unless it is viewed in the context of its original culture
What does statistical infrequency depend on?
The normal distribution
What is an example of statistical infrequency?
An intellectual disorder, the average is 85 to 115 so anything higher or lower is abnormal.
What is the evaluation of statistical infrequency?
It has real life application- it is easy to diagnose mental disorders when there is a statistic criteria. (It can also measure severity of disorder).
Not all abnormalities are infrequent (depression)
What are deviations from social norms?
Social norms are approved and expected ways of behaving in a particular society or social situation. If you do not act in these way you are abnormal.
What is an example of deviation from social norms?
Antisocial personality disorder- absence of prosocial internal standards and failure to conform to lawful or cultural normative ethical behaviour.
What is the evaluation of deviation from social norms?
Real life application- Key defining features that go against social norms can be used to diagnose mental illnesses
Human rights abuse- Labelling people with titles that deviate from social norms can lead to discrimination and abuse
What does failure to function adequately mean?
This means that you cannot cope with the demands of every day life.
What are examples of failure to function adequately?
Not being able to maintain standards of nutrition, hygiene or if you can’t hold down a job or relationship.
What is the criteria for inadequate function?
(More features more abnormal)
Personal distress
Irrational or dangerous behaviour
Lack of interpersonal skills (eye contact)
What is the evaluation for failure to function adequately?
Abnormality is not always dysfunctional (people can appear to be functional such as psychopaths or paedophiles)
It represents a threshold for when people need to get professional help to help them function
What does deviation from ideal mental health mean?
The absence of normality in mental health indicates abnormality.
How is deviation from ideal mental health assessed?
Through the characteristics indicating abnormality (failed more abnormal):
No symptoms or distress
Rational and accurate self perception
Self actualisation
Cope with stress
Realistic view of the world
Good self-esteem
Lack of guilt
Independent of others
Successful work and relationships
