Paper 1 - Abnormality Flashcards
What are the four definitions of abnormality
Statistical infrequency.
Deviation from social norms.
Failure to function adequately.
Deviation from ideal mental health.
What is statistical infrequency
Defining abnormality in terms of statistics - analysing the number of times it is observed.
Behaviour that is rarely seen can be classed as abnormal.
Example of a statistical infrequency
Intellectual disability disorder - IQ below 70 as only 2% have this
What is the average IQ
- Most people have an IQ between 85 and 115
Strength of statistical infrequency
+ real life application. Assessments of patients includes measurements of how severe their symptoms are compared to norms. Example of intellectual disability disorder demonstrates how there is a place for statistical infrequency in thinking about what is normal and abnormal. Therefore statistical infrequency is a useful part of clinical assembly.
Weakness of statistical infrequency
- unusual characteristics can be positive. Few people display a behaviour it is abnormal but doesn’t mean not desirable. IQ over 130 is seen as unusual but it is not undesirable and requires treatment. Means statistical infrequency should never be used alone to make a diagnosis
What is deviation from social norms
Abnormality based on the social context - when a person behaves in a way that is different from how they are expected to behave. Societies and groups make collective judgments about ‘correct’ behaviours. Norms are specific to the culture we live in as there are very few behaviours that would be considered universally abnormal
Example of a norm being specific to a culture
Homosexuality is viewed as abnormal in some cultures but not in others and was considered abnormal in our society in the past
Example of deviation from social norm
Antisocial personality disorder is a failure to conform to ‘lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour’. Such as lacking empathy
2 Limitations of deviation from social norms
Culturally relative. Some norms vary tremendously from one community to another. For example, hearing voices is socially acceptable in some cultures but seen as abnormal in the Uk. Creates a problem for people from one culture living within another culture group.
Definition could lead to human rights abuse. Historic examples of deviation from norms such as drapetomania (black slaves trying to escape their masters) show how these diagnoses were only made to control people. They appear ridiculous in today’s society but some radical psychologists argue that some of our modern mental disorders are abuse of people’s rights to be different.
What is failure to function adequately
The inability to cope with everyday living like not holding down a job, maintain a relationship or maintain basic standards of nutrition and hygiene.
ROSENHAN AND SELIGMAN proposed the signs.
What signs did ROSENHAN and SELIGMAN propose to determine when someone is not coping
When a person no longer confirms to interpersonal rules like personal space.
When a person experiences personal distress.
When a persons behaviour is irrational or dangerous.
Example of failure to function adequately
Intellectual disability disorder. It is a statistical deviation but diagnosis isn’t made on this alone, there would have to be clear signs that the person can’t cope with the demands of life as well
Strength of failure to function adequately
Recognises the patients subjective perspective. Not entirely satisfactory bc it is difficult to assess distress but it at least acknowledges the experience of the patient is important. Captures experience of many of the people who need help and is therefore a useful criterion.
Limitation of failure to function adequately
A subjective judgment. When deciding, someone has to judge whether a patient is distressed or distressing. Some patients may say they are distressed but may not be judged as suffering. Methods for making judgments objectives including checklists such as GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTIONING SCALE. However the principle remains whether someone has the right to make the judgmentS
What is deviation from ideal mental health
To think about what makes someone ‘normal’ and psychologically healthy and then identity anyone who deviates from this ideal. JAHODA listed 8 criteria. There’s an inevitably overlap between deviation from ideal mental health and failure to function adequately
What was JAHODAS 8 criteria for ideal mental health
No symptoms of distress. Rational and can perceive ourselves accurately. Self-actualise. Can cope with stress. Realistic view of the world. Good self esteem and lack of guilt. Independent. Successfully work, love and enjoy our leisure.
Strength of deviation from ideal mental health
A comprehensive definition. It covers a broad range of criteria for mental health as it covers most of the reasons someone would seek help from mental health services. Sheer range of factors from JAHODA makes it a good tool for thinking about mental health
Limitation of deviation from ideal mental health
Culturally relative. Some ideas in JAHODAS classification are specific to Western European and North American cultures. Much of the world would see independence from other people as a bad thing. Such traits are typical of individualist cultures not collective cultures.
What does culturally relative mean
A behaviour that can not be understood if viewed in the context of the group of people from which it originated
What does culture-bound mean
Restricted to a particular culture.
What is a diagnosis
When someone is judged to be suffering from a particular disorder based on the symptoms they present
What is a disorder
A condition of ailment that affects the function of mind or body
What does maladaptive mean
The extent to which a behaviour is not adaptive. Something that is adaptive increases an individuals well-being and survival