Definitions of Abnormality: ‘Statistical Infrequency’

Question 1

define psychopathology

Answer 1

the scientific study of mental illness

Question 2

what is psychopathology referred to

Answer 2

abnormal psychology

Question 3

definitions of abnormality

Answer 3

• statistical infrequency
• deviation from social norms
• failure to function adequately
• deviation from ideal mental health

Question 4

what is meant by the statistical infrequency definition of abnormality

Answer 4

the SI definition focuses on the idea that ‘abnormal’ behaviours are statistically rare or uncommon as opposed to ‘normal’ behaviours which are statistically common

in any human characteristic, the majority of peoples scores will cluster around the average, and the further above or below that average, the fewer people will achieve that score.

anyone who falls outside of the normal distribution (abt 5%) are perceived as abnormal

eg, intellectual disability disorder - IQ below 70, around 2%

Question 5

why can the statistical infrequency definition be useful

Answer 5

This definition is particularl useful when a characteristic can be reliably measured (or ‘quantified’).

This makes it possible to analyse what is regarded as statistically uncommon by using a normal distribution.

A normal distribution curve shows the proportions of people who share specific behaviours or characteristics.

Question 6

Evaluation: SI definition
- STRENGTHS

Answer 6

P: clear and easy to use
E: offers a clear-cut way of distinguishing between normal and abnormal behaviour which makes it easy for clinicians to use as part of making a diagnosis
E: eg, all assessment of patients with mental disorders includes some kind of measurement of how severe their symptoms are compared to the majority in society
L: useful part of the clinical assessment
E: reliable: used consistently between clinicians

Question 7

Evaluation: SI definition
- LIMITATIONS

Answer 7

P: requires a subjective judgement on where the ‘cut-off’ between normal and abnormal should be
E: individuals may disagree on where this cut-off point should be in defining abnormality.
E: eg, ‘difficulty sleeping’ is a symptom of depression, but the decision as to whether they have to sleep 80% less than the population or 90% is subjective l
L: cannot be used truly objectively when diagnosing disorders
E: lacks validity

P: defines positive characteristics as abnormal
E: unable to distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviours
E: eg, very few ppl have an IQ of over 150 (genius), yet this would view such people as abnormal even though most in society would argue this is a desirable trait
L: a good definition should only identify those in need of diagnosis and treatment - problematic

P: culturally biased (ethnocentric):
E: statistically frequent behaviours in one culture may be infrequent in another
E: eg, one of the symptoms of schizophrenia is claiming to hear voices which might be rare in some cultures but quite common in others (eg prayer)
L: a reliable definition should be consistent between cultures