Definitions Of Abnormality (Psychopathology) Flashcards
What are the 4 definitions
Statistical Infrequency
Deviation from social norms
Failure to function adequately
Deviation from ideal mental health
What is statistical infrequency
-Mathematical way for defining abnormality
-Statistically unusual behaviour - 2% of population have a IQ lower than 70
-Standard deviation tells us how far scores fall on either side from the mean - if it is more than two standard deviations away from mean = abnormal
Strengths of Statistical infrequency
- Real life application - used in clinical diagnoses of mental health disorders as a comparison with a baseline or normal value. Used to assess the severity of a disorder - e,g >1% of population as schizophrenia but subtypes are even less
- Takes the whole population into account unlike other definitions
Limitations of Statistical infrequency
-Statistical infrequency assumes that abnormal characteristics are automatically negative when it is not - having a high IQ score - genius - would rarely be looked down on + do not need treatment - beneficial to society
-Even abnormal behaviours can occur frequently like depression - more awareness so more people are being diagnosed - this ignores that
What is deviation from social norms
-Behaviour that differs from norms or expectations of society
-E,g antisocial personality disorder - impulsive, aggressive - failure to conform to lawful and normative behaviour
-Culture can impact what is considered abnormal - some cultures like western believe hallucinations is abnormal whereas other cultures encourage spirituality
How does culture link to deviation from social norms
-Culture can impact what is considered abnormal - some cultures like western believe hallucinations is abnormal whereas other cultures encourage spirituality
Strength of deviation from social norms
- Real life application - used in clinical practice to diagnose antisocial personality disorder - means that it can be treated - less likely to commit crime + can live a normal life
Limitations of deviation from social norms
-Leads to discrimination - mental health diagnoses varies significantly between different cultures - in 19th century nymphomania - women sexually attracted to working class men - actually made to prevent infidelity and to highlight difference between social classes + discriminate women
-Cultural relativism - hearing voices in African and asian cultures = positive + spirituality and connection to ancestors - opposed to schizophrenia - discrepancies in diagnoses of mental health
What is failure to function adequately
When someone cannot cope with the demands of every day life
Strengths of failure to function adequately
Takes into account patients perspective - so final diagnosis will be made with patients self reported symptoms and psychiatrists objective opinion - more accurate diagnosis of mental health as such diagnosis not constrained by statistical limits
What 4 signs did Rosenhan and Seligman suggest
Personal distress:
Maladaptive behavior:
Unpredictability and loss of control:
Violation of social norms
What is personal distress
Personal distress: Individuals may experience significant emotional suffering.
What is maladaptive behaviour
Behaviours that prevent individuals from achieving personal goals or fulfilling social roles (e.g., work, school).
What is dangerous behaviour
Behaviors become erratic, and individuals may lose control over their actions.
What is violation of social norms
Actions that go against societal expectations.
Weaknesses of failure to function adequately
- Can be used as social control and restricting freedoms of those who make unusual choices - hard to say when it is FFA or choice
-Lead to labelling - patients are “crazy”/”strange” - traditional negative stereotypes of mental health - not everyone requires diagnosis if they have high quality of life + little impact - lead to discrimination + prejudice by employers
What is deviation from ideal mental health
Must meet Jahodas criteria - no distress, rational , self actualise, cope with stress, good self esteem, independent + successful
Strengths of deviation from ideal mental health
Comprehensive definition with a range of criteria - allows us to assess ourselves and other and sinuses issues with professionals
Limitations of deviation from ideal mental health
- Jahoda had unrealistic expectation of mental health - majority of people unable to acquire and maintain - so most of population seen as abnormal by missing even 1 criteria - very limited method of diagnosing
-Cultural relativism - concept of self actualisation + put ourselves first considered selfish in collectivist cultures who value togetherness unlike individualistic cultures - so SFIMH only accepted in individualistic cultures
