definitions of abnormality Flashcards
How does deviation from social norms define abnormality
abnormal behavior is behavior that goes against the expectedrules in a society/culture
what are some weaknesses of deviation from social norm explanation for abnormality and explain why
it can be beneficial to break social norms (suffragette)
social norms change (ICD classed homosexuality as a mental illness till 1990)
deviation from social norms doesn’t always effect your mental health (eccentric people)
failure to function abnormality definition
Abnormal behaviour is behaviour that leaves you unable to cope with daily life.
how do decide if you are failing to function adequately ?
dysfunction has seven key features, the more you have the more abnormal you are.
what are the first 3 criteria of failing to function
personal distress-sad,anxious,worried,scared
maladaptive behaviour-behaviour stopping people from achieving life goals
unpredictability-lack of control and unexpected behaviour
what are the last 4 criteria of failing to function
irrationality- displaying behaviour that cant be logically explained
observer discomfort- displaying behaviour that makes others uncomfortable
violation of moral standards- behaviour that violates ethical standards.
unconventionality- behaviour that doesnt conform to what is usually done in a certain situation.
weaknesses of failing to function
abnormality doesn’t mean you are dysfunctional (serial killers are not dysfunctional)
sometimes its beneficial to feel personnel distress such as when a loved one dies
behaviour that can be seen as dysfunctional can cause them no personnel distress
ideal mental health abnormality definition
behaviour is abnormal if they don’t meet most of the criteria for normality.
what is the criteria for the ideal mental health definition
first 3
positive self attitude-self esteem, self respect etc.
self actulisation- ability to grow, reach your full potential and feel fulfilled
autonomy- being independent and making your own decisions
what is the criteria for the ideal mental health definition
last 3
resistance to stress
accurate perception of reality- no hallucinations or delusions
environmental mastery - being competent in all life aspects and adapting to changing circumstances.
weaknesses of ideal mental health definition
the criteria can be to demanding, self actulisation is hard
some criteria is vague, personnel growth
not all the criteria works across all cultures, collectivist cultures and individualistic cultures.
statistical infrequency abnormality definition
abnormal behaviour is behaviour which is statistically rare
an example would be the two ends of a bell curve diagram
weaknesses of statistical infrequency
some traits are rare but desirable- high iq, good athlete.
some disorders aren’t rare, 27% of elderly people are affected by depression
many rare behaviours and characteristics aren’t abnormal such as being left handed or different coloured eyes.
