PS1. Definitions of Abnormality

Question 1

Statistical Infrequency

Answer 1

Implies that a disorder is abnormal if its frequency is more than two standard deviations away from the mean incidence rates represented on a normally-distributes bell curve

Question 2

• Eval: STAT: Assumes

Answer 2

• assumes that all abnormal characteristics are automatically negative
• e.g. abnormal empathy levels (qualify as ‘Highly Sensitive Person’) or an IQ score above 130 (a genius) would rarely be viewed as ‘requiring treatment’

Question 3

Failure to Function Adequately

Answer 3

• individuals may be considered ‘abnormal’ if their current mental state is preventing them from leading a ‘normal life’, as well as an abnormality in their associated normal levels of motivations and obedience to social norms
• occurs when patient doesn’t obey social and interpersonal rules (e.g. standing close to others), are in distress or distressing, and behaviour has become dangerous (to both themselves and others)

Question 4

• Eval: FTFA: Labelling

Answer 4

• some patients may be labelled ‘strange’ or ‘crazy’, which perpetuates traditional negative stereotypes regarding mental health
• labelling may lead to subsequent discrimination or prejudice faced against them by employers or acquaintances.

Question 5

Deviation From Social Norms

Answer 5

• ‘abnormal’ behaviour is based upon straying away from the social norms specific to a certain culture
• general norms, as well as culture-specific norms
• e.g. diagnosed with APD if they behave aggressively towards strangers (breach general social norm)
• e.g. hallucinations (culture-specific: African cultures view as heightened spirituality, others don’t)

Question 6

• Eval: DFSN: Mechanism from Social Control

Answer 6

• mental health diagnoses vary significantly from different cultures, and subsequently led to discrimination as a mechanism for social control
• e.g. ‘nymphomania’ in 19th century Britain; was a mental disorder in which women were attracted to working-class men. In reality, made to prevent infidelity, cement class-differences, and discriminate against women

Question 7

• Eval: DFSN: Cultural Relativism

Answer 7

• reliance on subjective social norms
• e.g. ‘hallucinations’
• African cultures view it as a sign of heightened spirituality; Western cultures view it as SZ
• may lead to discrepancies in diagnoses across cultures

Question 8

Deviation From Ideal Mental Health

Answer 8

Ideal Mental Health is:
- the ability to self-actualise (Maslow)
- having an accurate perception of ourselves
- not being distressed
- being able to maintain normal levels of motivation to carry out day-to-day tasks
- displaying high self-esteem

Question 9

• Eval: DFIMH: Unrealistic Expectation of ‘Ideal Mental Health’

Answer 9

• majority of people unable to acquire, or maintain, listed criteria
• lead to majority of population being ‘abnormal’, despite maybe only missing a single criteria (e.g. being able to rationally cope with stress)

Question 10

• Eval: DFIMH: Cultural Relativism

Answer 10

• self-actualisation viewed as selfish in collectivist cultures (‘put ourselves before others’) in which the benefit of the group is prioritised
• in contrast, individualist cultures celebrate individual achievement
• THEREFORE, DFIMH would only be accepted as a definition for abnormality in individualist cultures