Definitions Of Abnormality Flashcards
Deviation from Social Norms
Behaviours or attitudes that break the implicit or explicit rules and standards that exist in society. All societies have these and those who don’t follow them are seen as deviant or abnormal
Evaluate the definition of deviation from social norms
+ easy to use
- norms change
- how do we class criminal behaviour
- eccentricity isn’t a form of abnormality
Definition and examples or statistical infrequency
- a persons thinking or behaviour is abnormal if it’s statistically rare and unusual
- hallucinations or high IQ’s
Evaluation of definition of statistical infrequency
+ objective method
- positive behaviour won’t benefit from treatment
- culturally bias
- label is not useful
Definition of ideal mental health
Extent to which it differs from ideal mental health
MARIE JAHODA (1958)
- self attitudes
- personal growth
- integration
- accurate perception of reality
- autonomy
- mastery of environment
Evaluation of definition of deviation from ideal mental health
+ successful practical applications
- difficult for anyone to achieve this standard
- cultural bias
- criteria is very subjective
Definition of failure to function adequately
Not being able to cope with every day life ( e.g eating regularly ) which causes distress to others as some mental disorders may not cause distress to the individual at all such as schizophrenics usually lack awareness
ROSENHAN & SELIGMAN :
- maladaptiveness
- irrationality
- unpredictability
- observer discomfort
- personal distress
Evaluate the definition of failure to function adequately
+ objective diagnosis
- standard is subjective and open to interpretation/bias
- culturally specific
- FTF May be because of external factors not psychological abnormality
