Definitions Of Abnormality Flashcards
What is statistical deviation
Occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic.
Lower IQ than people their age
Evaluation of statistical deviation
✔️real life application- can deal with patients mental disorders judging from statistics
❌unusual characteristics can be a good thing, higher IQ
❌not everyone benefits from being given a label , makes them have a negative view of them self
What is deviation form social norms
Concerns behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a continuity or society.
Evaluation of deviation from social norms
❌not a sole explanation- deviation never gives full reason as to why the behaviour occurs
❌cultural relativism- what is normal in one culture may not be in another- cannot be generalised
❌can lead to human rights abuses- definitions of deviation may be used to control minority ethnic groups
What is failure to function adequately
Occurs when someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of day to day living
Evaluation of failure to function adequately
✔️takes into account the patients perspective
❌very similar to deviation from social norms and labels ‘failure’
❌involves subjective judgements, bias, inaccurate
What is deviation from ideal mental health
Occurs when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health
What does ideal mental health look like
Jahoda (1958)
- no symptoms or distress
- rational and can accurately perceive others
- self actualise
- can cope with stress
- realistic view of the world
- good self esteem and lack guilt
- independent
- successfully work, love and leisure
Evaluation of deviation from ideal mental health
✔️very comprehensive, covers a broad range of criteria
❌cultural relativism- different views of good mental health across different cultures
❌sets an unrealistically high standard for mental health
