Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
What is psychopathology?
Psychopathology is the study of psychological disorders
How many definitions of abnormality have been proposed by psychologists?
Four definitions of abnormality have been proposed by psychologists.
Which four definitions of abnormality have been proposed by psychologists?
- Statistical infrequency
- Deviation from social norms
- Failure to function adequately
- Deviation from ideal mental health
Why is ‘statistical infrequency’ thought to be the most obvious way to define if something is normal or abnormal?
The most obvious way to define is something is normal or abnormal is according to the number of times we observe behaviours. This forms the basis of the statistical infrequency definition.
According to the statistical infrequency definition, what is ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ behaviour?
According to this definition, usual behaviour will be seen as ‘normal’ and unusual behaviour will be seen as ‘abnormal’.
When is the first definition of abnormality most commonly used?
Statistical infrequency is used when a psychologist is able to reliable measure an aspect of behaviour (e.g. intelligence).
When does statistical infrequency occur?
Statistical infrequency occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic (e.g. being more depressed or less intelligent than the majority of the population).
Which graph is used by psychologists to analyse statistical infrequency?
A normal distribution graph
How does a normal distribution graph visually represent usual and unusual behaviour?
In any human characteristic, the majority of people’s scores will cluster around the average. The further we go above or below the average, the fewer people will attain that score.
Using the normal distribution graph, when is a person considered to be ‘abnormal’?
According to the normal distribution graph, a person will be considered ‘abnormal if they are +2 or -2 standards of deviation away from the central tendency.
According to the second definition of abnormality (‘deviation from social norms’), what type of behaviour is considered abnormal?
Any behaviour that breaks away from social norms is said to be ‘abnormal’. This definition is therefore concerned with behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society.
Deviation from social norms draws a line between which two types of behaviour?
This definition draws a line between desirable and undesirable behaviour. This segregation allows for intervention to take place (e.g. someone being referred to a mental health hospital).
Why are few behaviours considered as being universally abnormal?
Few behaviours are considered as being universally abnormal because social norms are different for each generation and every culture. Therefore, few behaviours would be considered universally abnormal on the basis that they breach social norms.
Social norms vary across generations and between cultures. Give an example of this.
Homosexuality continues to be viewed as abnormal in some cultures and was considered abnormal in our society in the past.
Which psychological disorder is considered ‘abnormal’ according the definition of ‘deviation from social norms’?
Antisocial personality disorder: Psychopathy
A person with antisocial personality disorder is impulsive, aggressive, and irresponsible. According to the DSM-5 one important symptom of antisocial personality disorder is an absence of prosocial internal standards associated with failure to conform to lawful or culturally normative ethical behaviour. We are therefore making the social judgement that a psychopaths abnormal because they don’t conform to our moral standards. This behaviour would be considered abnormal across a range of cultures.
