Psychopathology 1 | Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
AO1: What is deviation from social norms?
Deviation from social norms defines abnormality as behaviour that goes against societal expectations It considers how most people behave and labels behaviours that deviate significantly as abnormal
AO1: Give an example of deviation from social norms
An example is antisocial personality disorder ASPD where individuals repeatedly violate social rules and lack remorse This is seen as abnormal because it deviates from socially accepted behaviour
AO1: What is failure to function adequately?
Failure to function adequately defines abnormality as behaviour that prevents an individual from coping with everyday life including work social relationships and self-care
AO1: What are Rosenhan and Seligman’s features of failing to function adequately?
Features include personal distress, maladaptive behaviour, irrationality, unpredictability, and causing observer discomfort
AO1: Give an example of failure to function adequately
An individual with severe depression may struggle to maintain personal hygiene attend work or engage in social activities indicating they are failing to function adequately
AO1: What is statistical infrequency?
Statistical infrequency defines abnormality as behaviour that is rare or unusual based on a normal distribution Individuals who deviate significantly from the average are considered abnormal
AO1: Give an example of statistical infrequency
An example is having an IQ below 70 which occurs in less than 2% of the population and is classified as intellectual disability disorder
AO1: What is deviation from ideal mental health?
Deviation from ideal mental health defines abnormality by comparing behaviour to an ideal standard of mental well-being based on Jahoda’s criteria
AO1: What are Jahoda’s criteria for ideal mental health?
Positive self-attitudes, personal growth and self actualisation, autonomy, resistance to stress, accurate perception of reality, and environmental mastery
AO3: Strength of deviation from social norms?
It has real-world application in diagnosing disorders such as ASPD which is partly based on a failure to conform to social norms making it useful in clinical settings
AO3: Weakness of deviation from social norms?
It can lead to human rights abuses as historically this definition has been used to marginalise groups such as LGBTQ individuals and enforce conformity
AO3: Strength of failure to function adequately?
It considers the individual’s perspective acknowledging that distress and dysfunction are key indicators of mental illness making it more compassionate and useful in diagnosis
AO3: Weakness of failure to function adequately?
It is difficult to judge when someone is failing to function as unconventional lifestyles such as extreme sports or nomadic living could be wrongly classed as abnormal
AO3: Strength of statistical infrequency?
It is objective and measurable using numerical data to define abnormality reducing bias in diagnosis as seen in IQ scores where an IQ below 70 is classified as an intellectual disability
AO3: Weakness of statistical infrequency?
Not all rare behaviours are undesirable as high intelligence or exceptional athletic ability are statistically infrequent but not considered abnormal
AO3: Strength of deviation from ideal mental health?
It provides a positive and holistic approach by focusing on mental well-being rather than just defining illness and includes a wide range of factors
AO3: Weakness of deviation from ideal mental health?
Jahoda’s criteria set unrealistic and difficult-to-achieve standards as few people meet all criteria at all times leading to overdiagnosis of abnormality
Jahoda’s Criteria for Ideal Mental Health
1️⃣ Positive self-attitudes – High self-esteem and strong sense of identity.
2️⃣ Personal growth and self-actualisation – Achieving potential.
3️⃣ Integration – Coping with stress effectively.
4️⃣ Autonomy – Independent decision-making.
5️⃣ Accurate perception of reality – Seeing the world as it is.
6️⃣ Environmental mastery – Adapting to and influencing surroundings.
