definitions of abnormality ao1

Question 1

What is statistical infrequency?

Answer 1

Behaviour is abnormal is it’s uncommon and not seen often in society
Whereby what is common is Normal

Question 2

Example of statistical infrequency

Answer 2

Looking at normal distribution of Iq graph using standard deviation
Ppl w 100 iq- maj of pop - common
Ppl above 130 or below 70 - miniority and by definition are statistically uncommon and thus classes as abnormal

Question 3

What is deviation from social norms

Answer 3

Abnormality based on social norms - done based on impact of an infdivuduals behaviour on others
Ppl behaving in socially deviant way are regarded as abnormal

Question 4

What is failure to function adequately

Answer 4

Not being able to cope w demands of everyday life as suggested by behaviour
So behaviour leads to distress and then cannot function properly eg not being able to maintain friendships or realationships or not being able to maintain basic hygiene.

Question 5

What indicators did Rosenham and seligmam propose that show someone is failing to function adequately (1989)
(Hint: there is 4)

Answer 5

• A person doesn’t conform to standard interpersonal rules like not respecting personal space or maintains eye contact
• when person experiences personal distress eg hallucination and depression
• when a person becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves
• signs showing they can’t cope w everyday life (eg not washing)

Question 6

What is deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 6

Different approach
Abnormal beh defined by absense of ideal characteristics
So beh that move away from ideal mental health

Question 7

Who proposed the deviation from mental health as definition of abnormality

Answer 7

Jahoda (1958)

Question 8

Jahodas 6 principles of ideal mental health

Answer 8

• having a postive view of your self (high self esteem)
• being capable of personal growth and self actualisation
• being independent of others (autonomous) and self - regulating
• having an accurate view of reality
• being able to master your environment (love, friendships, work and leisure time)
• cope with stress

Question 9

What characteristics did rosenham and seligman suggest that define failure to function adequately

Answer 9

When a person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules eg maintaining eye contact and respecting personal space
When a person expirences severe personal distress
When a persons beh becomes irrational or dangerous to them selves or others

Question 10

What method was proposed for failure to function inadequately

Answer 10

GAF - global assessment of functioning scale

Question 11

What it GAF

Answer 11

Method of measuring how well individuals function in everyday life - considers rosenham and seligman 1989 characteristics and occupational functioning - functioning at work

Question 12

What can GAF be used in conjunction with

Answer 12

Statistical infrequent

Question 13

explain influences on dev from social norms need to be taken into account

Answer 13

culture; diff cultures have diff norms

context and situation; beh may be considered normal at one time but abnormal at another

historical contect : taking into account whats abnormal at one time may be considered normal at another time in the same culture. eg 100 years ago preg out of marrige women were institutionalised now its normal

age and gender ; same beh would be considered abnormal based on age and gender
so a man wearing a dress and heels is abnormal or a woman breastfeeding an old kid

Question 14

name influences on social norms need to be taken into account

Answer 14

culture
context and situation
historical context
age and gender