definitions of abnormality AO1 and AO3

Question 1

what is a norm ?

Answer 1

standards/expectations of acceptable behaviour, set and carried out by a social group

Question 2

deviations from social norms

Answer 2

behaviour majority of society considers unacceptable or undesirable, refers to deviant and anti-social behaviour

Question 3

problems with social norms

Answer 3

• they change overtime, from unacceptable to acceptable e.g. homosexuality, and visa versa

Question 4

deviation from social norms limitation

Answer 4

• difficulty in deciding what’s abnormal. e.g. singing in the street compared to at a party (depends on context)
• cultural relativism e.g. classification of DSM based on western cultures
• dangerous social consequences and is susceptible to abuse e.g. drapetomania

Question 5

deviation from social norms strengths

Answer 5

• separates rare and undesirable characteristics e.g. high IQ

Question 6

statistical infrequency definition

Answer 6

behaviour that is statistically rare (uncommon) and considered abnormal. uses standard deviation in a normal distribution curve

Question 7

statistical infrequency limitations

Answer 7

• the cut off point is subjective e.g. differences in whether 5 hours is considered abnormal or if its 6
• cultural relativism, different culture have different rare behaviours
• doesn’t differentiate between rare and undesirable characteristics e.g. high IQ

Question 8

statistical infrequency strengths

Answer 8

• subjectivity counter PEEL: its an objective measure of abnormality, could argue only behaviours in less than 5% of the pop should be considered abnormal

Question 9

deviations from ideal mental health definition

Answer 9

behaviours deviating from an ideal positive mental health are considered abnormal

Question 10

Jahoda’s DFIMH criteria

Answer 10

• positive attitude towards oneself
• self actualisation
• autonomy: independence
• resisting stress
• accurate perception of reality
• mastering your environment

Question 11

failure to function adequately

Answer 11

behaviour that interferes with adequate daily functioning

Question 12

Rosenhan and Seligman’s 7 features of FFA

Answer 12

• observer discomfort
• personal suffering
• irrational thoughts
• loss of control
• violation of moral standards
• maladaptiveness
• unconventionality

Question 13

DFIMH limitations

Answer 13

• not realistic (meeting all 6 criteria constantly)
• cannot treat mental health in the same way as physical health (MH more complex)
• cultural relativism (viewing self-actualisation differently)

Question 14

DFIMH strengths

Answer 14

• positive definition of mental health (supports people and helps remove stigma)

Question 15

FFA limitations

Answer 15

• subjective definition e.g. observer discomfort
• doesn’t apply to all dysfunctional behaviours e.g. functioning alcoholics
• cultural relativism