Psychopathology: definitions of abnormality Flashcards
Explain this definition of abnormality (deviation from social norms).
Behaviour along with thoughts and feelings that go against the unspoken rules of a society are seen to be abnormal.
Explain this definition of abnormality (failure to function adequately).
The inability to cope with the demands of everyday life is seen to be abnormal. - rosenham and seligman developed a criteria to help with identification.
Explain this definition of abnormality (deviation from ideal mental health).
A persons psychological well-being can be defined by Jahodas criteria. The less criteria you meet the more you are seen to be abnormal.
Explain this definition of abnormality (statistical infrequency).
Behaviour along with thoughts and feelings that is numerically uncommon or rare is seen to be abnormal.
What is a positive to the definition (deviation from social norms).
rwa- this definition is used in clinical practice -antisocial personality disorder uses failure to conform to culturally accepted behaviour for diagnosis -therefore is useful in psychiatry
What is a positive to the definition (failure to function adequately).
It considers the patients perspective.
What is a negative to the definition (deviation from social norms).
.norms are culturally relative -we label people according to the standards of our cultural group -therefore it is less useful for diagnosis for those who move between cultures
.definition can lead to humans rights abuse -has been used to control minority groups in the past
What is a negative to the definition (failure to function adequately).
.relies on subjective judgement
.hard to tell wether someone is just not coping or deviating from social norms eg:not having a job may be a lifestyle choice not a sign of failing to function
What is a positive to the definition (deviation from ideal mental health).
Covers a broad range of criteria -provides a useful checklist for therapists to assess individuals against
What is a negative to the definition (deviation from ideal mental health).
.The criteria has unrealistically high expectations
.cultural relativism -biased towards individualist cultures (self actualisations seems self-indulgent in collectivist cultures)
What is a positive to the definition (statistical infrequency).
Intellectual disability disorders all use assessments using measurements to see how abnormal something is -therefore the definition is useful in psychiatry
What is a negative to the definition (statistical infrequency).
.Unusual characteristics can be positive eg: high iq.
.not everyone unusual benefits from a label -can be unhelpful in society
