P: Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
Statistical infrequency.
Defining abnormality in terms of statistics- most obvious way to define something as ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’ is in terms of the number of times it is observed. Any relatively ‘usual’ or often seen behaviour can be thought of as normal. Any behaviour that is different, or rare, is ‘abnormal’ (i.e. a statistical infrequency)
Give an example of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality.
Intellectual disability disorder.
The average IQ is 100. Most people have an IQ between 85 and 115, only 2% have a score below 70. Individuals scoring below 70 are statistically unusual or ‘abnormal’ and are diagnosed with intellectual disability disorder.
What percentage of people have an IQ below 70?
2%.
Strength of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality.
REAL-LIFE APPLICATION: all assessments of patients with mental disorders includes some comparison to statistical norms. Intellectual disability disorder demonstrates how statistical infrequency can be used. Statistical infrequency is thus a useful part of clinical assessment.
Limitations of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality.
NOT EVERYONE BENEFITS FROM A LABEL: when someone is living a happy and fulfilled life, there is no benefit to them being labelled as abnormal. Someone with a very low IQ who was not distressed or out of work, etc., would not need a diagnosis of intellectual disability. Being labelled as abnormal might have a negative effect on the way others view them and the way they see themselves.
Deviation from social norms.
Based on social context. When a person behaves in a way that is different from how they are expected to behave they may be defined as abnormal. Societies and social groups make collective judgements about ‘correct’ behaviours in particular circumstances. There are relatively few behaviours that would be considered universally abnormal therefore definitions are related to cultural context. This includes historical differences within the same country (e.g. homosexuality is viewed as abnormal in some cultures but not others and was considered abnormal in our society in the past).
Give an example of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality.
Antisocial personality disorder (APD).
One important symptom of antisocial behaviour disorder (formerly psychopathy) is a failure to conform to ‘lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour’. In other words, a psychopath is abnormal because they deviate from social norms or standards. They generally lack empathy.
Limitations of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality.
SOCIAL NORMS ARE CULTURALLY RELATIVE: a person from one cultural group may label one from another as abnormal using their standards rather than the person’s standards. E.g. hearing voices is acceptable in some cultures but would be seen as a sign of abnormality in the UK. This creates problems for people from one culture living within another cultural group.
COULD LEAD TO HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES: too much reliance of deviation from social norms to understand abnormality can lead to a systematic abuse of rights. Drapetomania (black slaves trying to escape) and nymphomania (women attracted to working-class men) are examples of how diagnosis was used for control. Such classifications appear ridiculous but some psychologists argue that modern abnormal classifications are abuses of people’s rights to be different.
What is Drapetomania?
Black slaves trying to escape.
What is Nymphomania?
Women attracted to working-class men.
What is the ‘Failure to function adequately’ definition of abnormality?
A person may cross the line between normal and abnormal at the point that they cannot deal with the demands of everyday life- they fail to function adequately. For instance, not being able to hold down a job, maintain relationships or maintain basic standards of nutrition and hygiene.
Who proposed the signs of failure to cope?
Rosenhan and Seligman.
What are the three main signs that someones is failing to cope?
They no longer conform to interpersonal rules e.g. maintaining personal space.
They experience personal distress.
They behave in a way that is irrational or dangerous.
What is an example of the ‘failure to function adequately’ definition of abnormality?
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY DISORDER: having a very low IQ is a statistical infrequency but diagnosis would not be made on that basis alone. There would have to be clear signs that, as a result of this, the person was not able to cope with the demands of everyday living. So intellectual disability disorder is an example of failure to function adequately.
Strength of the ‘Failure to function adequately’ definition of abnormality.
RECOGNISES PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE: this may not be an entirely satisfactory approach because it is difficult to assess distress. However, the definition acknowledges that the experiences of the patient (and/or others) is important. It captures the experience of many people who need help and is useful for assessing abnormality.
