evaluation of definitions of abnormality

Question 1

Evaluation for deviation from social norms

Answer 1

• cultural relativism, Definitions vary from one generation to another- lacks external validity
• Not a sole explanation

Question 2

evaluation for deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 2

• cultural relativism, different cultures may have different definitions (eg, Japanese culture disagrees with being independent as a good thing as receiving help is good but in Germany, being independent is viewed as a good thing)
• sets unrealistic and high expectations for mental health
  + People would know what bad mental health looks like so they can seek help

Question 3

Evaluation for failure to function adequately

Answer 3

+ Attempts to include individual subjective experience

• subjective
• cultural relativism

Question 4

Evaluation for statistical infrequency

Answer 4

• Not everyone unusual benefits from a label, the label can have a negative effect on the person eg having an intellectual disorder because of a LOW IQ, this can bring unwanted stereotypes and cause damage to the person HOWEVER, has been used for practical applications in diagnosis
• can never be used alone to make a diagnosis, as a high IQ can be a positive thing
• cultural relativism
• not all behaviour that deviates from social norms is a sign of illness for example speeding