Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards
What are the 4 definition of abnormality?
- Deviation from social norms.
- Statistical infrequency.
- Deviation from ideal mental health.
- Failure to function adequately.
How many definitions of abnormality are there?
- (to be specific they are:)
- Deviation from social norms.
- Statistical infrequency.
- Deviation from ideal mental health.
- Failure to function adequately.
What is deviation from social norms?
Where a behaviour violates unwritten social etiquettes about what is acceptable in a particular society.
What is statistical infrequency?
Where a behaviour is statistically uncommon, or not seen often in society.
What is deviation from ideal mental health?
Where a person does not contain a set of particular (healthy) characteristics.
What is failure to function adequately?
Where a person is unable to cope with the demands of everyday life.
What are the advantages of the failure to function adequately definition?
+ Considers feelings - focused on managing everyday life.
+ Measurable - there is a scale, the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF).
+ Observable - can be easily observed.
What are the disadvantages of the failure to function adequately definition?
- Everyday varies - some days are much harder than others.
- Abnormality does not stop function - you can still function in your day to day activities while being abnormal.
- Focuses heavily on individuals - religious and supernatural beliefs are seen as inhibiting.
What are the advantages of the deviation from social norms definition?
+ Flexibility - social norms are allowed to change.
+ Clarity - norms are easy to see.
+ Socially beneficial - the adherence allows generalisation.
What are the disadvantages of the deviation from social norms definition?
- Changes over time - sometime hard to find changing norms.
- Cultural differences - leads to confusion.
- Ethic differences - may be normal in a subgroup of population but not in a whole.
What are the advantages of the deviation from ideal mental health definition?
+ Focused - allows for targeted intervention.
+ Positive - focus on what is desirable and helpful.
+ Achievement - allows goals to be set and met.
What are the disadvantages of the deviation from ideal mental health definition?
- Feasibility - the idea of perfect mental health is not achievable.
- Subjectivity - criteria for mental health is not clearly defined.
What are the advantages of the statistical infrequency definition?
+ Intuitive - something abnormal is non-regular.
+ Objective - statistical nature clearly outlines abnormality.
+ Useful overview - views behaviour holistically.
What are the disadvantages of the statistical infrequency definition?
- Inflexible - there are set boundaries for abnormality.
- Cultural differences - no consideration of cultures.
- Can occur frequently - abnormal behaviours occur often.
How is failure to function adequately measured?
The GAF scale (Global Assessment of Functioning Scale).
How does the failure to function adequately definition view religious and supernatural beliefs?
It sees these as limiting personal freedom and irrational.
Which definition has a positive view where goals can be set and worked towards?
Deviation from ideal mental health.
Which definition is highly objective?
Statistical infrequency.
What does psychopathology mean?
- Psycho = ?
- Pathology = ?
Disease of the mind;
Psycho = mind.
Pathology = disease.
What is the DSM-V?
Diagnostic Statistics Manual (number 5).
What is the ICD-10?
International Classification of Diseases (number 10).
What are the two main classifications used for diagnosing classifications?
DSM-V and ICD-10.
