Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards
Who came up with characteristics of being unable to function adequately
Rosenhan and Seligman suggested characteristics
Define failure to function adequately
Cannot cope with everyday life -severe depression
What are the characteristics of being unable to function adequately
Irrational behaviour
Unpredictability
Observer discomfort
Maladaptive behaviour
Limitations of failing to function adequately :
May not be linked to psychological disorders
May be the cause not the outcome of a psychological disorder
Holding down a job/family may be due to economic conditions
Prejudice can also prevent this
Limitations of failing to function adequately:
Dysfunctional behaviour may actually be functional
Eating disorders may bring attention that is welcome to the individual
Anorexics may achieve goal by gaining extra attention which may keep family together because of joint concern
Limitations of failing to function adequately:
Who decided what is adequate
Rosenhan and Seligmans idea of observer discomfort is hard to apply People with schizophrenia may feel they function adequately
People around them may feel uncomfortable watching erratic behaviour of the individual so believe that the person cannot function adequately
Define abnormality as a deviation of ideal mental health (DIMH)
Jahoda suggested NORMAL MENTAL HEALTH includes: positive attitude towards self Self actualisation Resistant to stress Autonomy (independence) Accurate perception of reality Mastering your environment
If someone deviates from one or more Of the criteria they are VULNERABLE to a psychological illness
(Eg separation anxiety)
Limitations of abnormality as deviation from ideal mental health
Who can achieve ideal mental health
Very few reach self actualisation and other criteria laid down
Majority could be classed as abnormal
How far must you deviate from criterial to be classed as ‘abnormal’
Could as a result make psychologically healthy people anxious
Limitations of abnormality as deviation from ideal mental health
Characteristics are rooted in western societies
In the west where many are individualistic self actualisation is seen as a key goal in life
People in the wearer where many are collectivistic it may not be a key goal in life, elders in the family plan out a young child’s life.
It May be seen as abnormal to go for own goals and against culture
Limitations of abnormality as deviation from ideal mental health
Can’t measure mental health objectively
Differs from measuring physical Heath
Physical health causes such as bacterial infection/virus making it easy to detect and diagnose
Much harder to see if someone has a strong sense of self
Define deviation from social norms
Defines abnormality in terms of deviating from social norms
Defines behaviour that is antisocial or undesirable
Eg someone with schizophrenia may cry at comedy but laugh at a funeral
Anything deviating from social norms is seen as abnormal
Limitations of deviation from social norms
Social norms change over time
Homosexuality classified as abnormal in diagnostic and statistical manual until 1980
It is widely accepted in the UK, civil partnerships further show it’s acceptance
Limitations of deviation from social norms
Cultural relativity
Something that is acceptable in one society may by be acceptable in another
Pentecostal church speak with dead which to them is perfectly normal but to a practitioner it could be seen as abnormal
Limitations of deviation from social norms
Need to take context into account
Washing hands exceessively in hospital is normal but outside of the environment the person may have OCD
Showing importance of taking context into account
