Psychodynamics Flashcards
what are the definitions for abnormality
statistical infrequency, deviation from ideal mental health, deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately
definitions for abnormality - statistical infrequency (example)
intellectual disability disorder
individuals with a low IQ (2% below 70) in infrequent
definitions for abnormality - statistical infrequency (definition)
anyone who falls outside normal distribution (statistically rare) should be seen as abnormal
definitions for abnormality - statistical infrequency (strengths)
appropriate for multiple mental illnesses where statistical criteria available, allowing for objective assessment of level of disability
definitions for abnormality - statistical infrequency (weaknesses)
not all infrequent behaviours are abnormal e.g. high IQ is desirable
not all abnormal behaviours are infrequent - some frequent behaviours are abnormal e.g. 10% of the population have depression
definitions for abnormality - deviation from social norms (definition)
any behaviour deviating from social norms seen as abnormal
those who don’t adhere to social norms at that time period
definitions for abnormality - deviation from social norms (example)
psychopathy
fail to conform to lawful/culturally moral behaviour
definitions for abnormality - deviation from social norms (strengths)
allows consideration of social dimensions of a behaviour e.g. behaviour may be acceptable in one situation but not in another
definitions for abnormality - deviation from social norms (weaknesses)
people regularly break social norms but seen as ‘eccentric’ instead
norms change over time e.g. homosexuality seen as mental illness till 1990 - can’t truly define act as abnormal as society changes so must our behavioural beliefs
definitions for abnormality - deviation from ideal mental health (definition)
Marie Jahoda identified 6 characteristics of what it is to be normal - any absence of these = abnormality
e.g. resisting-stress, autonomy, self-actualisation
definitions for abnormality - deviation from ideal mental health (example)
depression as people have low self-esteem, stressed and struggle to make decisions
definitions for abnormality - deviation from ideal mental health (strengths)
takes a positive approach to mental problems by focusing on what is desirable
definitions for abnormality - deviation from ideal mental health (weaknesses)
over-demanding criteria
Jahoda argued mental health can be considered physical but diagnosing it is more subjective
definitions for abnormality - failure to function adequately (definition)
too assess degree of dysfunction Rosenhan & Seligman came up with 7 features of abnormality e.g. distress, unpredictability
behaviours suggesting they can’t cope with everyday life
definitions for abnormality - failure to function adequately (example)
Schizophrenia - experience distress, irrationality and unpredictability around people
definitions for abnormality - failure to function adequately (strengths)
allows assessment of abnormality - more symptoms shown = more abnormal)
definitions for abnormality - failure to function adequately (weaknesses)
abnormality not always accompanied by dysfunction
problem over deciding who has right to define behaviours as dysfunctional
phobia
anxiety disorder
excessive / persistent fear or a situation / object