Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
What are the 4 definitions of abnormality?
- Statistical deviation
- deviation from social norms
- failure to function adequately
- deviation from ideal mental health
What is statistical deviation?
Occurs when individual has less common characteristic e.g being more depressed or less intelligent
What is deviation from social norms?
Behaviour that is different from accepted standards of behaviour in community or society
Example of statistical deviation
IQ and intellectual disability disorder
Example of deviation from social norms
Antisocial personality disorder
Evaluation for statistical deviation
Real-life application
Unusual characteristics can be positive
May not benefit from label
Evaluation for deviation from social norms
Not a sole explanation
Cultural relativism
Can lead to human right abuses
What is failure to function adequately?
When someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of day-to-day living
Example of failure to function adequately
Intellectual disability disorder
Evaluation for failure to function adequately
Patient’s perspective
Simply deviation from social norms?
Subjective judgements
What is deviation from ideal mental health?
When someone does not meet set of criteria for good mental health
Some criteria points for ideal mental health
No symptoms or distress Rational and accurately perceive ourselves Can cope with stress Realistic view of world Independent of other people
Evaluation for deviation from ideal mental health
Comprehensive definition
Cultural relativism
Unrealistically high standard for mental health
