Definitions of abnormality.

Question 1

what are the 4 definitions of abnormality?

Answer 1

• deviation from social norms.
• failure to function adequately.
• statistical infrequency.
• Deviation from ideal mental health.

Question 2

What is deviation from social norms?

Answer 2

• social norms are the frame work that organise our society and are the result of a consensus.
• Behaviours that all of us would agree are abnormal on moral grounds.

Question 3

What is failure to function adequately?

Answer 3

• if you fit more of the criteria then you may be considered abnormal:
• Suffering
• Maladaptiveness
• Irrationality
• Observer discomfort

Question 4

What is statistical infrequency?

Answer 4

-if you don’t fit the average scores on human characteristics/ activities, eg-brushing your teeth 2 times a day. Then you will be labelled abnormal.

Question 5

What is deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 5

• Define abnormality on the absence of normality.
• Self-attitudes.
• Personal growth and self-actualisation.
• Autonomy
• Accurate perception of reality.
• Being unable to satisfy the criteria= abnormality.

Question 6

What are the behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of phobias?

Answer 6

Behavioural: avoidance of stimulus.
Emotional: fear and anxiety.
Cognitive: irrational perspective and resistant to arguements.

Question 7

What are the behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of depression?

Answer 7

Behavioural- loss of motivation.
Emotional- sadness.
Cognitive- negative emotions.

Question 8

What are the behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 8

Behavioural- compulsive behaviours reduce anxiety.
Cognitive- Obsessive thoughts cause distress.
Emotional- Obsessions are recurrent and may be inappropriate.