Definitions of Abnormality - Deviation From Social Norms

Question 1

How can we identify psychological abnormality?

Answer 1

• Their culture and traditions
• Their appearance/ their behaviour
• Are they a risk to themselves or others

Question 2

Why do we need to be able to identify psychological abnormality?

Answer 2

To help them. Criteria and definitions are used to identify if someone needs treatment.

Question 3

What is a social norm?

Answer 3

A rule/ judgement held by a group about how people should behave.

Question 4

Behaviour is abnormal when…

Answer 4

Someone behaves in a way that the group would judge to be unexpected or unacceptable.

Question 5

Two examples of social norms?

Answer 5

Queuing and Good manners. e.g. Handshakes

Question 6

Example Disorders

Answer 6

• Anti-social personality disorder
  -Schizotypal personality disorder

Question 7

Limitations as using deviation from social norms as a diagnosis method?

Answer 7

• Not the only explanation
• Cultural and situational relativism
• Human rights abuses

Question 8

Exam Question- Outline one criticism of deviation from social norms as a way to define abnormality.

Answer 8

One limitation of using deviation from social norms to define abnormality is that history has shown this definition can lead to labelling and discrimination. For example the term nymphomania was used to shame women in being sexual to conform to societal norms.

Question 9

Strength of using deviation from social norms

Answer 9

the definition is useful in diagnosis of abnormality

Question 10

Signs

Answer 10

• Lack of empathy or care for society around them
• lack of manners