definitions of abnormality(2) Flashcards
what is failure to function adequately?
-abormal behavioir shown when they cant cope with the demands of everyday life
-dont experience range of emotions or behvaiours
-behaviour leads them to dysfunction e.g disrupt work ability, eating, washing clothes and communication
what did rosenhan and seligman(1989) suggest?
-personal dysfunction has several factors
-the more an individual has , the more they are classed as abnormal
when is someone considered to be failing to function adequately?
- person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules e.g maintaining eye contact, respecting personal space
2.person experiences severe personal distress
3.persons behavior becomes irrational and dangerous to themselves or others
What were the several features rosenhan and seligman found to be associated with dysfunction?
-maladaptive behaviour
-personal distress
-violation of moral standards
-observer discomfort
-irrationality
-unconventionality
-unpredictability
what is personal distress?
-includes depression and anxiety
disorders.
what is maladaptive behavior ?
-Behaviour that stops individuals from attaining satisfactory goals,
both socially and occupationally e.g. enjoying good relationships
with other people or working effectively
what is unpredictablity?
Displaying unexpected behaviours characterised by loss of
control e.g. attempting suicide after failing a test.
what is irrationality?
- behaviour that cannot be explained in a rational way.
However, people who suffer from migraines may behave irrationally.
what is observer discomfort?
-Displaying behaviour causing discomfort to others.
what is violation of moral standards?
-Displaying behaviour violating society’s moral behaviour.
what is unconventionality?
-Displaying unconventional behaviours.
strengths of FFA
(personal perspective)
Sue et al.: Most seek help due to psychological distress affecting daily functioning.
Supports the definition, as people seek help when they struggle to function.
(observable behaviours)
-judgement made on wether individuals can function by looking at obserbale behaviour
limitations of FFA
(exhibiting dysfunction)
Abnormality doesn’t always involve dysfunction.
Example: Antisocial personality disorder can be harmful but appear normal.
Some individuals are abnormal despite no clear dysfunction (“normal abnormality”).
Temporary distress, like grief, is a normal and healthy response to loss.
(reward of abnormality)
an individual’s apparently dysfunctional behaviour may
actually be rewarding. For example, a person’s eating disorder can bring affection and
attention from others.
(distress to others)
-behaviour may cause distress to other people and be regarded as
dysfunctional, while the person themselves feels no distress.
(cultural differences)
-‘normal functioning’ varies culture to culture
-abnormal functioning of one culture should not be used to judge people from other cultures/subcultures
what is definition of ideal mental health?
-satisfaction and happiness within ones self
what are the 6 criterias?
1.personal autonomy= being indpendant and being able to remain stable during difficult situations
2.self attitude= having high self esteem
3.accurate perception= seeing world around them in realisitic fashion
4.resistance to stress= being able to cope w stress
5.self actualisation= being able to develop capabilities
6.adapting to environment= being competent in all areas of life e.g work, personal
strengths of DIMH
-focus on desirability and not undesirable
-holistic- condiers individual as a whole rather then certain areas of behaviour
limitaitons of DIMH
(subjective)
many of the criteria are vague and difficult to measure.
Measuring physical health is more objective, using well-established methods,
like X-Rays and blood tests. Diagnosing mental health is more subjective, relying largely on the self-reports of patients who may be mentally ill and not, therefore not relialbe
(changes over time)
-perceptions of reality changes over time
-in 13th cnetury seeing visions was a positive sign of religious commitment
-now seen as schizophrenia
(non desirbality of autonomy)
-collectivist cultures emphasise communal goals and autonomy as desirbale
-africans ‘we’
-western ‘me’ view
-western culture concerned with individual attainment and goals
