Definitions of Abnormality

Question 1

What is statistical infrequency

Answer 1

Numerically uncommon. Defining something as ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’ depending on the number of times it occurs, or how far it is from the mean, median and mode

Question 2

Example of statistical infrequency

Answer 2

2.5% of people have an IQ below 70

Most people’s IQ are between 85-115

Question 3

Strength of statistical infrequency

Answer 3

Real life application - intellectual disability disorder. All assessments use measurement to see how abnormal something is

Question 4

Limitations of statistical infrequency

Answer 4

Unusual characteristics can also be positive- e.g. High IQ - 2% over 130

Not everyone benefits from a label- if someone is living a happy fulfilled life, a label may only be unhelpful

Question 5

What is deviation from social norms

Answer 5

When a person violates the rules or expected behaviour of a particular group or society

Question 6

An example or deviation from social norms

Answer 6

Antisocial personality disorder - includes failure to conform to generally accepted social standards

Question 7

Limitations of deviation from social norms

Answer 7

Norms are culturally relative- we label others according to our standards. Therefore less useful as a diagnostic tool for those who move e.g. hearing voices seen as normal in Africa

Question 8

What is failure to function adequately

Answer 8

Inability to cope with the demands of everyday living

Question 9

Example of failure to function adequately

Answer 9

Intellectual disability disorder- low IQ may mean a person can’t cope

Question 10

Strength of failure to function adequately

Answer 10

Considers patients perspective- whilst difficult to measure distress it acknowledges patients experience matters

Question 11

Limitations of failure to function adequately

Answer 11

Involves subjective judgements- some may say they are distressed but others judge them as coping. Objective measures like GAF hell but still require person to measure

Hard to distinguish from DSN- not having a job may be an alternative lifestyle choice, not a sign of FtFA

Question 12

What is deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 12

Absence of particular characteristics that are deemed as ideal

Question 13

An example of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 13

Inaccurate perception of reality

Question 14

Strengths of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 14

Covers a broad range of criteria - most reasons why someone would access mental health services

Question 15

Limitations of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 15

Biased towards individualist cultures - personal autonomy and self actualisation seem self indulgent in collectivist cultures

Unrealistically high expectations- few self actualise therefore many are considered abnormal