P - definitions of abnormality (AO3) Flashcards
Statistical infrequency: Limitation - lacks flexibility
===> It states scores in top and bottom 2% are abnormal, but some behaviours identified in diagnostic statistical manual (DSM-V) don’t fall within this percentile. 3% of population suffer with OCD but this doesn’t count as abnormal according to definition because they are within 2 standard deviations of the mean. This definition and DSM-V contradict each other so it is too inflexible
Statistical infrequency: Strength - objective and scientific
===> Provides a quantifiable measure and diagnosis consistent regardless of clinician making it. Means measure is reliable. However, focuses solely on quantitative data and might not take into account the unhelpful and painful behaviours that occur more frequently (qualitative). For example, argued 25% of population will experience mental health issue at some point in their lives
Statistical infrequency: Limitation - failure to consider cultural relativism
===> Symptoms of schizophrenia, like hearing voices, more statistically common in some cultures (Ghana and India) as it’s not as stigmatised. ‘Abnormal behaviour’ may be more widespread in certain cultures compared to rest of world. Widespread definition as could perpetuate prejudice and discrimination
Deviation from social norms: Strength - more appropriate measure than statistical infrequency (distinguishes between desirable and undesirable behaviour)
===> Someone with depression would be classified as normal under the SI definition (seen in 20% of population), but feeling extremely sad every day would be outside of social norms and therefore classed as abnormal. Social deviancy model also takes into account effect behaviour has on others - helps people live together in society by abiding by social norms. This definition is more valid than others as it takes more holistic approach
Deviation from social norms: Limitation - not a reliable measure
===> Social norms change across time periods and settings. Homosexuality is now socially acceptable in most Western cultures, in past was classified as disorder in DSM. Lacks temporal validity. Someone acting angrily at home may be classified as socially acceptable but not in a workplace setting. Same behaviour may be abnormal or normal depending on certain factors, making it less reliable
Deviation from social norms: Limitation - doesn’t consider cultural relativism
===> DSM used to diagnose disorders, largely based on Westernised ideas of social norms. Ignores Eastern social values. Could be ethnocentric to use DSM to classify people from non-Westernised cultures as abnormal. Worth noting DSM is improving at recognising different cultures and there are even some culture-specific criteria for certain disorders
Failure to function adequately: Limitation - requires a subjective judgement from another person to diagnose
===> Clinicians who will be making the judgements tend to be from middle class backgrounds which could introduce bias into how they view others’ lifestyles. Could partially explain why people from lower socio-economic groups are diagnosed with mental disorders more often. Affects validity of definition
Failure to function adequately: Strength - takes into account both subjective and objective perspectives
===> More comprehensive measure. Patient’s subjective opinion of whether they feel they meet demands of everyday living considered too. Other definitions (like SI and DFSN) don’t consider how the patient views their own behaviour. Easy to judge objectively due to the list of behaviours that assess whether a person is functioning. If someone meets criteria, they can access treatment tailored to their individual needs
Failure to function adequately: Limitation - may lead to no diagnosis even if needed
===> Focus of definition is on how someone is coping. Certain disorders, like highly functioning anxiety, may mean individuals appear fine externally and functional to others (they can hold down jobs and maintain homes) but may be experiencing distorted thinking and inner distress. Consequently, some individuals may not be classified as abnormal according to this definition so might not receive the help they need
Deviation from ideal mental health: Limitation - may be culture bound
===> Some of Jahoda’s criteria for DFIMH are specific to European and American cultures. Self-actualisation is more prevalent in individualistic cultures; collectivistic cultures may view independence negatively. Generalising this definition may be seen as ethnocentric - judges concept of ‘normal’ based on Western, individualistic cultures. Can’t be universally applied to explain abnormality
Deviation from ideal mental health: Limitation - sets unrealistic standards for mental health that are unachievable for most
===> Few individuals attain full ‘self-actualisation’ or consistently maintain good ‘self-esteem’. Significant portion of society would be considered ‘abnormal’ according to definition. Unclear how many criteria need to be absent for a diagnosis of abnormal behaviour or how to measure criterion (not easy to assess whether someone possesses capacity for personal growth) - definition is somewhat ambiguous. Lacks clarity and limited usefulness as measure on its own
Deviation from ideal mental health: Strength - emphasis on the positives rather than negatives
===> This distinguishes it from other definitions. Allows for clear goals to be set and focused on to attain ideal mental health, which, in Jahoda’s view, equates to achieving normality. Aligns with growing positive psychology movement and its significant influence on mental health professionals. This definition takes a more positive approach to defining abnormality
