Definitions Of Abnormality Flashcards
What does statistical infrequency refer to in the context of mental health?
Someone is mentally abnormal if their mental condition is very rare within the population
Measured objectively compared to the rest of the population’s behaviour.
What is the normal distribution curve in relation to diagnosing abnormality?
Mean, median, and modal scores are at the highest point in the middle
Diagnoses compare behaviours to those on the extreme ends of the distribution curve.
What IQ score is considered abnormal according to the normal distribution curve?
Anyone more than two standard deviations away from the mean
The average IQ is 100.
What is a positive aspect of using statistical infrequency for diagnosis?
It can identify who needs support and who does not
This is beneficial for targeting mental health resources.
What is a negative aspect of using statistical infrequency?
Cutoff points are entirely objective
Someone slightly over 70 IQ may be denied support.
What does failure to function adequately (FFA) mean?
Individuals are defined as abnormal if they struggle to function in daily life and tasks
This includes maladaptive behaviour, personal anguish, observer discomfort, irrationality, unpredictability, and unconventionality.
What are Rosenhan and Seligman’s criteria for maladaptive behaviour?
- Maladaptive behaviour: goes against long-term interests
- Personal anguish: suffering from anxiety and distress
- Observer discomfort: distress caused to others
- Irrationality: difficult to understand motives
- Unpredictability: unexpected behaviour
- Unconventionality: not aligning with societal standards
What is a negative aspect of the failure to function adequately definition?
It is based on subjectivity of the observer’s opinion
This can lead to bias and disagreement between observers.
What does deviation from social norms imply?
Someone does not follow the uncodified expectation of the culture they are in
This includes not regarding the context of the situation.
What is a positive aspect of deviation from social norms?
It is not ethnocentric
It takes into account the views of non-western societies.
What is a negative consequence of moving cultures in terms of mental health diagnosis?
Individuals may be diagnosed with a disorder even if their behaviour is normal in their culture of origin
For example, an Afro-Caribbean in the UK may be diagnosed with schizophrenia for having religious experiences.
What does deviation from ideal mental health (DIMH) involve?
Focusing on improvement and becoming a better person in society
It requires following Jahoda’s six features to classify as normal.
List Jahoda’s six features of ideal mental health.
- Environmental mastery
- Autonomy
- Resistance to stress
- Self-actualisation
- Positive attitudes towards oneself
- Accurate perception of reality
What is a negative aspect of the deviation from ideal mental health definition?
It is culturally biased
Reflects that western civilization is the standard for mental health.
What is a positive aspect of the DIMH approach?
It is a holistic approach
Suggests ways to improve mental health and respects personal experiences.
