Psychopathology - Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards
What are social norms?
unwritten behavioural expectations that are varying depending on culture, time and context.
What are social deviants?
Individuals who break social norms and are seen as abnormal.
What are examples of behaviour showing high cultural specificity?
Tolerance of homosexuality, queuing and public displays of emotion.
What is a pro of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality?
Respects cultural differences (not culture bound), not imposing a set western definition of abnormality on non-westerners.
What is a con of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality?
People living outside the culture of origin can be judged as abnormal yet seen as normal within their own culture (not set universal standard of abnormality) This results in society punishing people for expressing their individuality in unconventional ways.
What is failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality?
When individuals have an inability to cope with the challenges of daily life such as maintaining personal hygiene. They show maladaptive behaviour (not adjusting properly), and their irrational and unpredictable actions go against long-term interests.
What is a pro of failure to function adequately ?
Definition respects the patient’s own lived experience and personal situation .
What are cons of failure to funtion adequately?
Subjective measure of what is ‘‘coping’’ is the opinion of one observer can differ from other - this can be reduced by an inter-rater system
High functioning psychopaths are abnormal but are able to function well in society.
Not all maladaptive behaviour is an indication of mental illness, ie poor diet and smoking
Define statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality
Abnormal behaviour that is very rare. How common behaviour/traits can be measured statistically in comparison to rest of the population , unusual behaviours being defined as abnormal. For example - defining how low IQ as someone 2 standard deviations below the average, reparenting 2.28% of people.
What are the pros of statistical infrequency?
Relatively objective
What are weaknesses of statistical infrequency?
Doesn’t consider how desirable a trait is
No clear dividing line between frequent and infrequent = definition can’t be entirely objective.
Cut off point for abnormality often decides when people need support, cut off point is subjective
Define deviation from ideal mental health as a definition of abnormality.
Humanistic definition by Jahoda in 1558. Rather than defining abnormality, defines features of the ideal mental health and deviation from these indicates abnormality.
What are the six criteria for ideal mental health?
Environmental mastery
Autonomy
Resisting stress
Self actualisation
Positive self attitude
Accurate perception of reality
‘‘EAR SPA’’
What are the pros of deviation from the ideal mental health?
A holistic approach towards diagnosis that helps the individual identify areas for personal development
What are the cons of deviation from ideal mental health?
Culturally biassed towards western individualist perspective as many cultures do not value autonomy and personal success, focusing instead on a social role.
Criteria are difficult to achieve consistently with most people not achieving ideal mental health and being defined as abnormal.
