definitions of abnormality Flashcards
statistical infrequency
a behaviour is seen abnormal if it is rare
abnormality determined by looking at the distribution of a behaviour - abnormal behaviour occupies extreme ends of a normal distribution curve
limitation of statistical deviation (labelling)
N - a problem with statistical deviation is that labelling an individual as abnormal regardless of how unusual they are can be unhelpful
A - for example, someone with a low IQ but who was not distressed and quite capable of working etc. would simply not need a diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder
E - if that person was labelled as abnormal this might have a negative effect on the way others view them and the way they view themselves. Future employers, partners and even finance organisations may attach a permanent label to that person. Being labelled as abnormal could cause the person more distress than the condition itself
another limitation of statistical deviation (positive traits)
N - another limitation includes the fact that unusual characteristics can in fact be positive and desirable traits
A - for example, IQ scores over 130 are just as unusual as those below 70, but we wouldn’t think of super- intelligence as an undesirable characteristic that needs treatment. just because very few people display certain behaviours does not mean it requires treatment to return to normal.
E - this is a serious limitation of the definition and means that it should never be used alone to make a diagnosis
another challenge to statistical deviation (f to f)
N - another challenge to the statistical deviation definition of abnormality is that it is challenged by the failure to function adequately definition
A - this definition states that abnormality can be defined as behaviour that prevents individuals from pursuing normal activities and goals, generally stopping them from coping with everyday life, such as being able to go to work or to maintain a social life. This is very different to how statistical infrequency defines abnormality, that abnormal behaviour is behaviour that is uncommon and rare
E - this is a weakness as it can be argued that the statistical infrequency definition only offers a partial definition of abnormality.
deviation from social norms
a social norm is an unwritten rule about what is acceptable within a particular society. Therefore, a person is seen as abnormal if their thinking or behaviour violates these unwritten rules. These norms are specific to the culture we live in.
a limitation of social norms (labelling)
N - a problem with the deviation from social norms definition of abnormality is that labelling an individual as abnormal regardless of how much they deviate from the norm can be unhelpful.
A - for example, if a person is labelled as having anti-social personality disorder and is therefore defined as abnormal, could make their condition worse
E - if that person was labelled as abnormal this might have a negative effect on the way others view themselves. future employers, partners and even finance organisations may attach a permanent label to that person. Being labelled as abnormal could cause the person more distress than the condition itself
another challenge to social norms ( f to f)
N - another challenge to the deviation from social norms definition of abnormality is that it is challenged by the failure to function adequately definition
A - this definition states that abnormality can be defined as behaviour that prevents individuals from pursuing normal activities and goals, generally stopping them from coping with everyday life, such as being able to go to work or to maintain a social life. This is very different to how deviation from social norms defines abnormality, that abnormal behaviour is behaviour that breaks the unwritten rules within a society
E - this is a weakness as it can be argued that the deviation from social norms definition only offers a partial definition of abnormality.
further issue with deviation from social norms (cultural)
N - a further issue with this definition of abnormality is the idea of culture relativism. Social norms differ between cultures and what is considered normal in one culture may not be abnormal in another.
A - for example, in approximately 75 countries in the world homosexuality is still illegal and therefore considered abnormal. However, in the rest of the world homosexuality is considered normal
E - the result of this is that there is no global standard for defining behaviour as abnormal and therefore abnormality is not standardised.
