Definitions of abnormality

Question 1

statistical infrequency

Answer 1

abnormality is defined by statistics

average IQ -100, Normal- 85-115 - Below 70 (2%) diagnosed with intellectual disability disorder-

Question 2

evaluation for statistical infrequency

Answer 2

strength- real life application- assessments of individuals with mental disorders include comparison to statistical norms- IDD demonstrates SI can be used

limitation- unusual characteristics can be +
few display statistically abnormal- do not require treatment eg- IQ over 130 same as 70 IQ, but not seen as undesirable and need treatment- serious limitation of SI - not use alone

limitation- not all benefit from being labelled - individual low IQ not distressed or out of work not need diagnosis of IDD- being labelled abnormal negative effect on how they’re viewed and view themselves

Question 3

deviation from social norms

Answer 3

abnormality is based on social context
when an individual behaves in a way different to expected
societies and social groups - collective judgment about correct behaviour
3 consequences
few behaviours that are considered universally abnormal- cultural context
historical differences within the same society
eg homosexuality
antisocial personality disorder APD
symptom - failure to do from to lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour- psychopath abnormal deviate from norms and lack empathy

Question 4

evaluation for deviation from social norms

Answer 4

limitation- deviation from social norms is not a sole explanation for abnormality
APD other factors eg distress- T4 deviation from norms not solids reason

limitation- social norms are culturally relative- one cultural group may label someone else abnormal using their cultural standards- T4 crates problems for people from one culture living within another

limitation - human rights being abused- too much reliance on deviation from social norms with lead to a systematic abuse of human rights
Draperomania and nymphomonia eg of how diagnosis was used for social control- T4 classifications appear ridiculous

Question 5

failure to function adequately

Answer 5

inability to cope with everyday living- maintain jobs relationships
Rosenhan and Seligman 1989- proposed signs
1 - no longer conform to interpersonal rules
2- they experience personal distress
3- they behave in a way that is irrational or dangerous
eg intellectual disability disorder- low IQ is SI diagnosis would not be made on this alone- clear person cannot coke with everyday demands of living- IDD failure cope adequately

Question 6

evaluation for failure to cope adequately

Answer 6

strength- recognised patients perspective- they can

Question 7

deviation from ideal health

Answer 7

• a different way to look at abnormality- depends on how we view “normal” and “psychologically healthy”
  Jahoda (1958) 8 criteria- suggested for ideal mental health
  1) no symptoms of distress or anxiety
  2) can cope with stress
  3) self actualise
  4)realistic view of the world
  5)able to maintain relationships and job
  6)good self esteem lack of guilt
  7)independent of other individuals
  8)rational and perceive ourselves positivley

Question 8

evaluation for deviation from mental health

Answer 8

one strength- comprehensive- J’s 8 covers a wide range of criteria- covers most reason for seeking help/ reason behind being referred for help-T4 rage of factors males it good “tool” for Mental health

limitation- culturally relative- J’s 8 specific to Western European and north American cultures- emphasis on self actualisation would be self indulgent in cultures that are more collective-T4 such trains are more typical of individualistic cultures so J’s8 is Culturally specifc

limitation- unrealistic high standard for mental health-few will attain all J criteria for mental health- most individuals would be abnormal according to this