definitions of abnormality

Question 1

what are the different definitions of abnormality?

Answer 1

1. deviation from social norms
2. statistical infrequency

Question 2

what does deviation from social norms definition state?

Answer 2

a person’s thinking or behavior violates the (unwritten) rules about what is expected or acceptable behavior in a particular social group

Question 3

deviation from social norms: what is their behavior like?

Answer 3

Their behavior may:
- Be incomprehensible to others
- Make others feel threatened or uncomfortable

Question 4

examples of deviation from social norms

Answer 4

• antisocial personality disorder
• carrying glass of water down street

Question 5

deviation from social norms - evaluation

Answer 5

strengths - flexible, change and adapt based on the individual
weaknesses - subjective, affected by a persons culture, age, gender

Question 6

what is the statistical infrequency definition of abnormality?

Answer 6

a person’s trait, thinking or behavior is classified as abnormal if it is rare or statistically unusual.

Question 7

how is statistical infrequency measured?

Answer 7

standard deviation

Question 8

examples of what statistical infrequency would measure

Answer 8

intellectual disability disorder - IQ lower than 70 - statistically infrequent = abnormal

Question 9

statistical infrequency - evaluation

Answer 9

strength - objective - likely to reach same judgement
weakness - more reductionist, doesn’t distinguish between desirable and undesirable traits

Question 10

what is the failure to function adequately definition of abnormality?

Answer 10

inability to cope with everyday life e.g. maintain relationship, standards of hygiene and nutrition

Question 11

what signs did rosenhan and seligman propose for failing to cope?

Answer 11

• discomfort
• irrationality
• violation of moral standards
• unpredictability
• unconventionality
• maladaptiveness
• personal distress

Question 12

failure to function adequately - evaluation

Answer 12

strength - Behaviour is observable: Failure to function adequately can be seen by others around the individual because they may not get out of bed on a morning, or be able to hold a job down. This means that problems can be picked up by others.

weakness - Everyday life varies: The ability to cope with everyday life depends on what is seen as normal everyday life. This varies within and across cultures.

Question 13

what is deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 13

mental health that goes against jahodas criteria
- self attitude - high self esteem
- personal growth and self actualisation - extent to which a person develops their full capabilities
- integration - e.g being able to cope with stressful situations
- autonomy - independent + self regulating