Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
What are the four main definitions used to define abnormality?
- Deviation from social norms
- Statistical infrequency
- Failure to function adequately
- Deviation from ideal mental health
What does being abnormal refer to in the context of psychopathology?
Being mentally ill or have some kind of mental health disorder.
What does the deviation from social norms definition say about abnormality?
If someone behaves differently to the standards of acceptable behaviours set by a society, that person is considered abnormal.
What are some weaknesses of deviation from social norms as a definition for abnormality?
- Social norms are not stable over time.
- Deviation is defined by context.
- Cultural bias is an issue because most diagnosis tools were made by W.E.I.R.D. teams. (Western, educated, industrialised, rich, democratic)
- Gender bias, most research are done by/for/with men.
What is the statisitical infrequency explanation for abnormality?
A person may be considered abnormal if their traits or behaviours are found to be numerically(statistically) rare or uncommon.
When can someone be considered statistically rare?
When they fall outside of the normaly distribution, e.g. two standard deviations away from the mean.
Why would cultural relativism be a problem when diagnosing mental disorders?
Behaviours can have different meanings in different cultures, which could be an issue for diagnosis in a multicultural society.
What is the DSM-V?
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for mental disorder (fifth edition), written by the American psychological association (APA).
Why is failure to function adequately a definition for abnormality?
People with psychological disorders often experience considerable suffering, and a general inability to cope with their everyday activities. They are unable to function adequately and therefore are classed as abnormal.
Apart from inability to cope with their everyday life, what does the failure to function adequately definition of abnormality also suggest about one being considered abnormal?
Someone could be considered abnormal if their behaviours causes distress to themselves or others.
What kind of approach is used in humanistic healthcare?
A person centred approach, putting a strong emphasis on the patient’s subjective feelings and experiences.
Which humanistic psychologist propose the deviation from ideal mental health definition of abnormality?
Jahoda (1958).
How is the the deviation from ideal mental health definition different from other definitions of abnormality?
It looks at the postives rather than the negatives, or what it means to be mentally healthy rather than mentally ill.
What was included in Jahoda’s ideal mental health defintion?
She identified 6 major criteria that she believed promoted psychological health and well being, enabling an individual to feel happy and free of distress, and to behave competently.
When is one defined as abnormal using the deviation from ideal mental health definition?
One is vulnerable to mental disorder, when they lack any of the six qualities, and therefore is abnormal. The more characteristics they fail to meet, they more abnormal they are.
