definitions of abnormality

Question 1

statistical infrequency

Answer 1

a disorder is abnormal if its frequency is more than two standard deviations away from the mean incidence rates on a normally-distributed bell curve

Question 2

Who proposed the failure to function adequately definition of abnormality

Answer 2

Rosenhan and Seligman (1989)

Question 3

What does the failure to function adequately definition suggest

Answer 3

Individuals may be considered abnormal if their mental state prevents them from leading a normal life and obeying social norms

Question 4

criteria for considering someone as abnormal under the failure to function adequately definition

Answer 4

Does not obey social rules
Experiences distress
Behavior is dangerous

Question 5

deviation from social norms

Answer 5

Abnormal behavior is based upon straying away from specific social norms of a culture

Question 6

example of behavior that may indicate antisocial personality disorder (APD)?

Answer 6

Aggressive behavior towards strangers

Question 7

Jahoda’s (1958) focus in defining abnormality

Answer 7

Deviation from ideal mental health.

Question 8

criteria for ideal mental health according to Jahoda

Answer 8

1. environmental mastery
2. autonomy
3. resistance to stress
   4.self actualisation
   5.positive attitude
   6.accurate perception of reality

Question 9

strengthss

Answer 9

✅ Statistical infrequency is objective
→ Example: IQ below 70 classified as abnormal.

✅ Deviation from social norms considers desirability
→ Example: Anti-social behaviour is recognised as undesirable

Question 10

limitations

Answer 10

❌ Cultural bias in social norms
→ Example: Hearing voices is abnormal in the UK but not in some cultures.

❌ Statistical infrequency ignores desirability
→ Example: High IQ is rare but not abnormal.