definitions of abnormality

Question 1

Why are there 3 definitions of abnormal behaviour?

Answer 1

Because there’s no single adequate definition for the word

Question 2

What are the 3 definitions of abnormal behaviour

Answer 2

Deviation from social norms
Failure to function adequately
Deviation from ideal mental health

Question 3

Explain deviation from social norms

3 points

Answer 3

Standards of acceptable behaviour are set by social a group. These are social norms

Anything that deviates from acceptable behaviour is considered abnormal

And what is acceptable nay change over time (e.g. homosexuality back in the 70 and 80 was abnormal even considered a mental illnes) now it no longer is with same sex marriage even being allowed to take place

Question 4

What are the 3 limitations for the deviation from social norms definition

Answer 4

Susceptible to abuse
Deviance is relates to context and degree
Cultural relativism

Question 5

Explain susceptible to abuse in terms of deviation from social norms

Answer 5

It can lead to the exclusion of no conformists or political dissenters because social norms change as times change. What may be acceptable now may not have been before e.g. (homosexuality), also in Russia a in the 50s anyone who disagreed with the state was called insane.

Question 6

Talk about deviance is related to context and degree in terms of deviance from social norms

Answer 6

A person on a beach half naked is normal, but the same out fur in the middle of the city is abnormal and indicates a mental disorder
So social deviance on its own can’t offer a complete definition of abnormality because it’s related to both context and degree.
Being rude is deviant behaviour but not evidence of mental illnes

Question 7

Talk about cultural relativism in terms of deviance

Answer 7

Disorder are diagnoses or defines in different ways in different places
This lead to a difference in diagnosis. For instance, for schizo, a UK psychologist may not decide to diagnose someone with it but in uk the very same person is diagnosed due to different diagnosis , classification systems and definitions
So there’s no no universal standards or rules for labelling a behaviour and abnormal cz definitions are influenced by social norms

Question 8

Talk about failure to function adequately

Answer 8

This is when a person isn’t able to cope with everyday life demands (go to work, eat I’m public, wash clothes etc)

So abnormal behaviour interferes with day to day living

This leads to the indv seeking help once they feel they’re behaving abnormally

Question 9

What are the 3 limitations

Answer 9

Who judges
Adaptive or maladaptive
Cultural relativism

Question 10

Talk about who judges in terms of definition 2

Answer 10

The problem is that the patient may feel they are being abnormal
But at other times they may think they are perfectly ok even though those around them would disagree

So who is to say when this patient must seek help?

E.g. schizo many feel they’re ok but quire clearly act abnormally

Question 11

Talk about adaptive or maladaptive in terms of definition 2

Answer 11

Some dysfunctional behaviour can actually be adaptive abd functional for the indv

E.g. transvestites may may make a loving out of cross dressing. Indv with eating disorder might like extra attention

Question 12

Talk about cultural relativism in terms of definition 2

Answer 12

Definitions of adequate functioning is also related to cultural ideas of how one should live

So the diagnosis in one culture may be different to another

Question 13

Describe deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 13

The absence of 6 criteria indicate abnormality. Like absence of signs illnessical health indicate signs of physical illness

Question 14

Who came up with the deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 14

Marie jahoda

Question 15

What are the six criteria for definition 3

Answer 15

Self attitudes: having high self esteem and sense of self identity

Personal growth: the extent to which an indv develops their full capabilities

Integration: E. G.being able to cope with stressful situation

Autonomy: being independent and self regulating

Having an accurate perception of reality

Mastery of the environment: ability to live, adjust to new situations, and solve problems

Question 16

3 limitation fo definition 3?

Answer 16

Who can achieve all these criteria

Is mental health the same as physical health

Cultural relativism

Question 17

Talk about who can achieve all these things

Answer 17

According to criteria most of us are abnormal to some extent

How many need to be lacking for us to be considered abnormal?

Question 18

Talk about is mental health the same as physical health

Answer 18

It’s possible that some mental illnesses are a cussed by physical illnesses, they’re a consequence. So its unlikely that we could diagnose mental abnormality the same way we can diagnose physical abnormality

Question 19

Talk about cultural relativism in definition 3

Answer 19

Many if the criteria could only be applied to western and not non western cultures.
Eg. Personal growth is a a characteristic of an individualist culture not a collectivist one.
So the incidence of abnormality of non westerners when using this definition will definitely be different, it’s not adequate enough.