Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
Define abnormality
Deviating from the norm
Define statistical infrequency
Occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic
Key characteristics of statistical infrequency definition
Statistically rare behaviour should be seen as abnormal
Statistically rare behaviour depends on normal distribution
Has a spectrum comparing a person to the ‘average’ population and each end of spectrum is considered abnormal
Strengths of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality
Can be applied to the real world- can help people who are statistically abnormal according to normal distribution to seek further clinical assessment
Records quantitative data so there is no bias and no interpretation
Weaknesses of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality
Unusual characteristics can be positive such as being abnormally smart in comparison to rest of population
Not everyone benefits from being labelled as abnormal- might feel ashamed, embarrassed or upset or lower self-esteem
Define Deviation from societal norms
Concerns behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society
Key characteristics of deviation from societal norms
Society has unwritten rules which we call norms
Variation from these norms are considered abnormal
There is a distinction between desirable behaviour and undesirable behaviour and those who demonstrate undesirable behaviour are social deviants
If a behaviour interferes with everyday life it is considered to be undesirable behaviour
Strengths of deviation from societal norms
Real life applications- Diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder helps people seek clinical assessment
Weaknesses of deviation of societal norms
Social norms vary tremendously from one generation to another and one community to another
Can lead to abuse of human rights
Define failure to function adequately
Occurs when someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of day-to-day living
Key characteristics of failure t function adequately
Cannot cope with everyday life
Cause stress and inability to function properly(affects relationships, disrupts work)
Examples of features:
unpredictability-Your mood may be up/down and unsure of how a person would react,
personal distress- The extent to which a person feels upset about their behaviour,
irrationality- No logic and makes decisions on a “whim” and not in touch with reality,
unconventionality-Demonstrating unusual behaviours/traits by doing something out of the norm,
maladaptive behaviour- unhelpful behaviour/doesn’t help,
observer discomfort-You are seeing someone else’s discomfort,
violation of moral standards- acting in an immoral way/against ethics
Strengths of failure to function adequately
Does not include experience of individual
represents a sensible threshold of when people need professional help
Weaknesses of failure to function adequately
Subjective statements
Difficult to differ from deviating from social norms and failing to function adequately
Define deviation from ideal mental health
Occurs when individual does not meet a set of criteria for mental health
Key characteristics of deviation from ideal mental health
Similar to a physical diagnosis as looks for absence of well-being
Jahoda(1958) developed 6 characteristics that should be exhibited to demonstrate normal behaviours
An absence of any of these behaviours would indicate abnormality
S- Self actualisation of one’s potential(working towards a goal)
P- Personal autonomy(you feel you have choice)
P- Positive attitudes towards self(You see yourself favourably)
E- Environmental mastery(Some sort of control of what your environment feels like)
A- Accurate perception of reality(You understand your role in society)
R- Resistance to stress(You don’t let stress overcome you/resilience)
