Definitions Of Abnormality Flashcards
Statistical deviation
Behaviour is seen as abnormal if it is statistically unusual.
Statistical deviation strengths
No judgement- shows what is common not desirable
Based on real data- Unbiased, objective
Statistical deviation weaknesses
Doesn’t distinguish whether something is desirable or not
Cultural relativism- could be rare in one culture but common in another
Deviation from social norms
Behaviour violating accepted social rules
Deviation from social norms strengths
Situational and developmental norms- considers how acceptable behaviour changes with age and setting
Deviation from social norms weakness
Too dependent on context, time and culture
Social deviancy isn’t always bad eg. high IQ
Failure to function adequately
Sees individual as abnormal if their behaviour suggests they can’t cope with everyday life
Failure to function adequately strengths
Assessed degree of abnormality- Global assessment of functioning scale scored on a continuous scale
Focuses on observable behaviour so allows judgement by others of whether behaviour is abnormal
Failure to function adequately weakness
Sometimes normal to fail to function like being in shock after an accident
Cultural differences- abnormal functioning of one culture shouldn’t be used to judge people’s behaviours from other cultures and sub cultures
Deviation from ideal mental health
6 characteristics of ideal mental health •positive attitude toward oneself •Personal growth •Autonomy(independence) •Resisting stress •Accurate perception of reality •Adapted to environment
Deviation from ideal mental health strengths
Focuses on positivity
Targets areas or dysfunction
Deviation from ideal mental health weaknesses
Subjective/vague criteria eg.hard to measure someone’s self esteem
Many people may not meet all the criteria but when does this mean they are abnormal
