Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
Psychopathology
What is psychopathology and what does it cover?
The study of mental illness and its causes. It covers methods that help us to decide whether someone’s behaviour is abnormal to justify the diagnosis of a mental health issue.
What is statistical infrequency and how does it define abnormality?
We can define abnormality by looking at how often a behaviour occurs using statistics. Behaviour is normal if it’s statistically frequent, it’s abnormal if it’s (statistically infrequent)/2 standard deviations away from the mean.
What is an example of statistical infrequency used to define abnormality?
IQ- many people fall into the normal distribution curve with an IQ of about 100. Very few people have an IQ of 55 or 145 so would be deemed as abnormal because it’s statistically infrequent. Those with a low IQ may then be diagnosed with intellectual disability disorder (IDD)
What is a strength of statistical infrequency?
It is objective- it’s based on what is statistically frequent/infrequent- value judgements don’t play a part- it focuses on statistics alone- less subjective- more scientific
What is a limitation of statistical infrequency?
Some statistically infrequent behaviours are desirable- high IQ is seen as a positive thing but is branded as abnormal- they may be considered for a diagnosis of mental health but high intelligence is desired by many- suggests that the definition alone can’t define abnormality
What is deviation from social norms and how does it define abnormality?
A person is abnormal if they go against social norms and behaves in a way that differs to what we would expect. These norms are often set based on a collective decision grounded on society’s values. However, they differ across cultures and there are very few behaviours which would be considered universally abnormal. WE must be careful that we aren’t judging other cultures as abnormal based on our social norms.
What is a strength of deviation from social norms?
It distinguishes between desirable and undesirable behaviour- the only behaviours deemed as abnormal are those that are negative based on society’s accepted standards of behaviour- less likely to attach a stigma associated with abnormal behaviour to a desirable characteristic.
What is a limitation of deviation from social norms?
Some see this as a form of social control- what is desirable is determined by society so behaviour society don’t want are deemed as abnormal- we need people to go against the norms for things to change for the better- sometimes it’s good to deviate from social norms and it’s not an indication of mental illness.
What is failure to function adequately and how does it define abnormality?
A person is abnormal if they are unable to cope with day to day living e.g. holding down a job, maintaining a relationship, taking care of themselves
What are Rosenhan and Seligman (1989)’s 4 feature to indicate failure to function?
- Experiencing severe personal distress
- Their behaviour is maladaptive
- Irrational behaviour in that it cannot be explained in a logical way and causes others to feel discomfort
- When behaviour does not adhere to standard interpersonal expectations (e.g. maintaining eye contact)
When is the failure to function adequately definition useful?
When diagnosing depression as the features can indicate some of the classic symptoms before a diagnosis is made
What is a strength of failure to function adequately?
It can help individuals recognise that they need professional help- the MIND charity estimate 25% of people yearly in the UK experience mental health problems- but people only focus in severe symptoms- allows individuals to identify when they are failing to cope with day-to-day life- helps get help and possibly a diagnosis- highlights the usefulness
What is a limitation of failure to function adequately?
It is quite normal to show some of these behaviours at certain points- personal distress is very normal in certain situations- does not make them abnormal and certainly not mentally ill- if someone did not show these signs after the death of a loved one, that could show mental illness- might wrongfully label someone as abnormal
What are deviations from ideal mental health?
Deviations from ideal mental health argues that we must look at what ‘normal’ is instead and anyone who deviates from it would be abnormal as a result
What is Marie Jahoda (1958)’s criteria to define mental health?
-no signs of distress and can cope with stress well
-thoughts and behaviours are rational, and we have a realistic view of the world
-ability to self-actualise and have high self-esteem
-don’t rely on other people and are a master of our own environment
anyone who doesn’t fit ALL the criteria would be abnormal
What is a strength of deviation from ideal mental health?
It takes a more positive view to defining mental health- lists desirable behaviour- criteria is extensive- mental health treatment can be guided around what is missing from the list- highlights the value
What is a limitation of deviation from ideal mental health?
Too optimistic- very few, if any, people would fit all the criteria all of the time- sometimes stressful situations become overwhelming for a short period of time- would make majority of the population abnormal- very unlikely
