Defintitions of abnormality Flashcards
What is statistical infrequency?
Deviation from statistical norms and the behaviour is rare with their score being significantly different from the average
What is deviation from social norms?
A personal choice of a behaviour which isn’t conventional
What are definitions of abnormality?
Deviation from social norms, statistical infrequency, failure to function and non-ideal mental health
What are strengths of statistical infrequency?
Real world application, benefits of classification, makes sense for disorders and some comparison to statistical norm is involved in diagnosis of disorders
How does definitions of abnormalities have real wold application?
It is used in clinical practice as part of diagnosis
What are limitations of definitions of abnormality?
Unusual characteristics can be positive, the negative implications of labelling and cultural relativism
What is failure to function?
It focuses on the person being unable to ‘function adequately’ in everyday life
What is an application for failure to function?
Diagnostic manuals include measures of general function
What are indicators of failure to function?
Inability to concentrate, irrational behaviour, not conforming to standard interpersonal rules, severe personal distress and is a danger to themselves or others
What are strengths of the ‘failure to function’ definition?
It represents a threshold for help to signal to others and it is less culturally dependant compared to social norms
What are limitations of the ‘failure to function’ definition?
Risk of abnormal labels for life choice and it may be temporary such as if they are grieving
What are the criteria for ideal mental health?
No symptoms or distress, are rational and perceive ourselves accurately, can self actualise, can cope with stress, have a realistic view of the world, good self-esteem and lack of guilt, are independant of other people and successfully work, love and enjoy leisure
What are strengths of the definition ‘deviation of ideal mental health’
Comprehensive definition with a broad range of criteria covering most asch’s of mental health
What are limitations of deviation from ideal mental health?
It sets an unrealistic high standard for mental health and cultural relativism as the criteria based on the norms of western, individual societies
