intro to clinical psych Flashcards
what is abnormality
going against society’s norms. being in the minority/ a subjectively defined behavioural characteristics, assigned to those with rare of dysfunctional conditions
what are the 4 d’s and what are they used for
-deviance
-dysfunction
-distress
-danger
need method for distinguishing ‘normal’ from ‘abnormal’
what is the statistical definition of abnormality
- deviance from statistical norm
- uses the curve of normal distribution
- the assumption is that any human characteristic is spread in a normal way across the general population
what is the social norm definition of abnormality
deviation from social norm (behaviour violates what we see as socially acceptable)
what is deviance
behaviours and emotions that are viewed as unacceptable
what classes as statistical abnormality
behaviour falls in the top or bottom 2.5%
strengths of the stat definition of abnormality
- produces quantitative data that is objective
- highlights the abnormality as a lack of normal functioning - this is practical because it can be used as evidence to request funding or help for those individuals
weaknesses of the stat definition of abnormality
- there is a cut off point on the graph so people will not be included
- the definition is limited because there are stat frequent behaviour that are still considered abnormal
- depression is common in the UK but is still considered a mental disorder and abnormal
- abnormal behaviour is not rare - people are likely to show abnormal behaviour at some point in their lives
what are social norms
behaviour which conforms to social norms is normal and behaviour that does not is abnormal. deviant behaviour e.g paedophilia
strengths of the social norm definition
- the definition does not match what is seen as abnormality in daily life
- it explains why different cultures have alternative ideas of what is normal/abnormal
- takes into account that there is no universal rule about what is abnormal
weaknesses of the social norm definition
- the definition is abnormality can lead to an abuse of a persons rights based on what society see as normal
- norms change over time so what one generation sees as abnormal the next generation may see as normal.
what is dysfunction
must interfere in the individuals life in some major way.
what is distress
a person can experience a great deal of dysfunction and very little distress of vice versa. extent to which the issue distresses the individuals
what is danger
danger to self and danger to others