Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
What is meant by deviation from social norms?
Behaviour that violates accepted rules or standards in a given society or culture
What is failure to function adequately?
When someone is unable to cope with the demands of everyday life, e.g., maintaining relationships or a job
Define statistical infrequency
Behaviour that is statistically rare or unusual compared to the majority of the population
What is deviation from ideal mental health?
Not meeting a set of criteria for positive psychological functioning (e.g., a self-actualisation, autonomy)
Example of deviation from social norms
Talking to oneself in public may be seen as abnormal in most cultures
How might depression be seen as a failure to function adequately?
A depressed person may struggle to get out of bed, go to work, or maintain hygiene
Example of statistical infrequency
Having an IQ below 70 or above 130 is statistically infrequent
Who proposed the criteria for ideal mental health?
Jahoda (1958)
What is a strength of deviation from social norms?
It considers the context and impact of behaviour on others
What is a limitation of deviation from social norms?
It can lead to human rights abuses and varies between cultures (cultural relativism)
What is a strength of statistical infrequency?
It is objective and based on real data.
What is a limitation of statistical infrequency?
Not all rare behaviours are undesirable (e.g., high IQ)
What is a criticism of failure to function adequately?
It may be subjective, what one person sees as failing, another might see as eccentric
What is a criticism of deviation from ideal mental health?
The criteria are too idealistic, few people meet all the conditions
Which definition of abnormality focuses on positive mental health rather than dysfunction or deviance?
Deviation from ideal mental health
