Psychopathology - 01 Definitions of abnormality (3-Statistical infrequency)

Question 1

What does abnormality mean in statistical infrequency?

Answer 1

deviating from the norm or the average so behaviour that is different or rare is abnormal

Question 2

How is statistical infrequency measured?

Answer 2

-uses a normal distribution curve
-the spread is measured by standard deviation
-2 or more SD from mean = abnormality

Question 3

Example of statistical infrequency (IQ and intellectual disability disorder)

Answer 3

-average IQ is 100
-most people have IQ pf 85-115 (68%) = I SD above/below the mean
-2% score below 70 = statically unusual or abnormal and would be diagnosed with intellectual disability disorder
-IQ of over 130 would also been seen as abnormal/statistically rare with only 2% scoring this.

Question 4

Limitations of statistical infrequency (unusual characteristics can be positive)

Answer 4

• for example IQ of over 130 is very rare but we would not think of it as undesirable or something that requires treatment
  -this means that the definition should never be used alone to make diagnosis

Question 5

Limitations of statistical infrequency (culturally relative)

Answer 5

-e.g. symptom of schizophrenia is claiming to hear voices however this is regarded as desirable and frequent in some cultures
- suggests that is is difficult to apply this definition to all cultures globally

Question 6

Limitations of statistical infrequency (not everyone benefits from a label)

Answer 6

-when someone is living a happy and fulfilled life there is no benefit to them being labelled as abnormal
-if someone with a low IQ is not distressed, capable of working etc they would not benefit from a diagnosis or label
-for some being labelled as abnormal might have a negative effect on the way the view themself