definitions of abnormality

Question 1

4 definitions of abnormality

Answer 1

1. deviation from a social norm
2. failure to function adequately
3. Statistical infrequency
4. deviation from ideal mental health

Question 2

deviation from a social norm…..

Answer 2

norm = unwritten rule in society
if someone deviates/goes against the are acting abnormally
norms vary between cultures

Question 3

3 disadvantages of deviation from social norms

Answer 3

1. just because they go against norms does not make them mentally ill
2. not consistent definition (changes over time)
3. human rights issue - people in power can choose what deems us mentally ill

Question 4

failure to function adequately people

Answer 4

rosenhan and seligman

Question 5

failure to function adequately….

Answer 5

R&S found 7 features of personal dysfunction

the more they have the more abnormal they are

Question 6

failure to function adequately 7 features

Answer 6

1. personal stress
2. maladaptive behaviour
3. unpredictability
4. irrationality
5. observer discomfort
6. violation of moral standard
7. unconventionality

Question 7

2 advantages of failure to function adequately

Answer 7

1. mixture and levels of mental illness

2. takes individuals opinions into account

Question 8

3 disadvantages of failure to function adequately

Answer 8

1. culturally variable
2. subjective scale
3. men less likely to discuss mental health

Question 9

statistical infrequency…

Answer 9

numerically rare, someone who doesn’t come along very often, an anomoly
if we put everyone on a graph those at the tail end would be abnormal

Question 10

2 advantages of statistical infrequency

Answer 10

1. practical and easy to read

2. objective

Question 11

2 disadvantages of statistical infrequency

Answer 11

1. not all infrequent behaviour is abnormal e.g. tall

2. where do we draw the line

Question 12

deviation from ideal mental health…

Answer 12

looks at things the other way round
defines normal not abnormal
J found 6 characteristics

Question 13

deviation from ideal mental health person

Answer 13

jahoda

Question 14

deviation from ideal mental health 6 characteristics

Answer 14

1. positive attitude towards oneself
2. autonomy
3. self actualisation
4. resisting stress
5. accurate perception of reality
6. environmental mastery (meet demands of a situation)

Question 15

1 advantage of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 15

doctors use positive messages to patients

Question 16

4 disadvantages of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 16

1. doesnt take context into account
2. subjective
3. cultural variations
4. over demanding criteria