Definitions Of Abnormality

Question 1

Deviation from the social norm

Answer 1

Behaviour that is seen as socially unacceptable of undesirable in society

Question 2

Failure to function adequately

Answer 2

Behaviour that means the individual is unable to engage or cope with the activities in everyday life

Question 3

Deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 3

When someone does not meet a set of criteria for mental wellbeing (e.g. Being unable to make their own decisions or having low self esteem)

Question 4

Statistical infrequency

Answer 4

Behaviour that is very rarely seen in the general population or is statistically infrequent

Question 5

Ideal mental health 6 criteria

Answer 5

P RR A M S.
POSITIVE attitude towards yourself.
Accurate perception of REALITY.
RESISTANCE to stress.
AUTONOMY.
MASTERY of the environment.
SELF-ACTUALISATION (achieving your potential).

Question 6

Advantages and disadvantages of the statistical infrequency definition

Answer 6

Weaknesses- it does not distinguish between infrequent characteristics that are desirable from those that aren’t.
- some behaviours are statistically frequent (20% of people will suffer from depression at some point) but are still considered treatment worthy
Strengths- gathering data on frequency of behaviours within a population is useful as it allows us to see how common something is, to reduce the ‘big deal’ with things like depression.

Question 7

Strengths and weaknesses of the deviation from social norms definition of abnormality.

Answer 7

Weaknesses- it can result in a form of social control of this slight deviation from the social norm such as homosexuality. In some cultures people are persecuted as it deviated from social norms.
- many people with depression don’t seem to deviate from social norms, but their deep sadness is often hidden from others.
Strengths- protects society from those who deviate from social norms such people who run round streets nude, which may shock and upset people. Gives authorities the right to remove these people.
- odd behaviours can often be a sign of someone’s mental illness, so they can then receive help.

Question 8

Strengths and weaknesses of failure to function adequately definition of abnormality

Answer 8

Weaknesses- many people with mental disorders are functioning quite well.
- people may not be functioning adequately but that doesn’t mean they have a mental health issue.
Strength- most people only seek treatment when their condition affects the day to day functioning
- good way to measure metal illness, by how much it affects their functions

Question 9

Marie Jahoda (1958)

Answer 9

She identified the 6 factors to define ideal mental health, that if you didn't meet these 6 criteria then you have mental illness:
1. POSITIVE attitudes towards yourself
2. Accurate perception of REALITY
3. RESISTANCE to stress
4. AUTONOMY 
5.MASTERY of the environment 
6. SELF-ACTUALISATION (archiving your potential
PRRAMS

Question 10

Strengths and weaknesses of the ideal mental health definition

Answer 10

Weaknesses- almost no one meets all those criteria, so they’d all have a mental illness.
- it is difficult to asses people on each criteria e.g. To what extent they have resistance over stress.
Strengths- the criteria gives a good outline to what mentally ill, or just people should aim for.

Question 11

Strength and weaknesses of deviation from social norms

Answer 11

Strength- can protect society as they can identify those with a problem.
Weakness- can result in a form of social control and even persecution