Defintions Of Abnormaility Flashcards
Statistical infrequency
If an individual has less common characteristic than most of the population
Deviation from social norms
Behaviour different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a society
Failure to function adequately
When someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of day-to-day life
What are the 3 signs someone may failing to function adequately
1) when person no longer confirms to standard interpersonal rules
2) when a person experienced severe personal stress
3) when a persons behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous
Deviation from ideal metal health
When someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental healthy
What were 2 of the criteria suggested by Jahoda for ideal mental health
We have good self-esteem and lack of guilt
What is a strength of statistical infrequency
Useful in clinical assessment
2 weaknesses of statistical infrequency
1) unusual characteristics can be positive
2) it is not always beneficial to deem someone as statistically infrequent
Strength of deviations from social norms
Useful when considering personality disorders
How can deviation from social norms lead to human rights abuse
Historically social minority’s such as gays and veritable racial groups have been abused due to the fact their behaviour did not fit into what was social normal at the time
What’s the main drawback of deviation from ideal mental health
For instance self-actualisation would be seen as self indulgent in collectivist cultures
How is deviation from social norms culture bound?
Drawback as someone may be deemed abnormal because their culture is different
