PSYCHOPATHOLOGY definitions of abnormality Content Flashcards
Statistical deviation definition
Occurs when an individual has a statistically rare characteristic/ behaviour in comparison to the wider population
E.g being more depressed, or intelligent than most the of the population
According to this definition, characteristics at either end of the normal distribution might be considered abnormal
x>70 : abnormally low IQ
X=100: normal IQ
X>130: abnormally high IQ
Deviation from social norms definition
This involves behaviour that is different from the accepted standard of behaviour in a society
- in other words, when a person behaves in a way that is different from how we expect people to behave
Failure to function adequately definitions
Occurs when someone is unable to cope with the ordinary day to day life
Eg.
- Struggling to maintain basic standard of nutrition and hygiene
- struggling to hold down a job or maintain a relationship
Failure to function adequately research
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989)
Proposed some signs that can be used to determine when someone is not coping
These include
1. When a person no longer conforms to standard impersonal rules
Eg. Maintain eye contact
2. Experiencing severe personal distress
3. A persons behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or others
> If the 3rd sign is met they are eligible to have access to a psych ward.
Deviation from ideal mental health definition
Occurs when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health
Deviation from ideal mental health further research
Jahoda 1958
- he suggested that we are in good mental health if we need the following criteria
1) if we have no symptoms of distress
2) we are rational and can perceive ourselves accurate
3) we self actualise (recognising and fulfilling your potential)
4) we can cope with stress
5) we have a realistic view of the world
6) we have good self esteem and lack of guilt
7) we are independent of other people
8) we can successfully work, love and enjoy our leisure
Statistical devaluation evaluations (3)
1) + there is real life application
- all assessment of patients with mental disorders include some kind of measurement of how severe their symptoms are comparatively to statistical norms
- it can also be helpful in diagnosis
- hence statistical deviation is a useful part of clinical assessment
2) - unusual characteristics can be positive
* IQ scores over 130 are just as unusual as those below 70, but we wouldn’t think of superintelligence as an undesirable characteristic.
- Some rare behaviours may be statistically abnormal but that doesn’t mean they require treatment to return to normal.
- This is a serious limitation of ‘statistical deviation’ and means that it would never be used alone to make a diagnosis.
3) - not everyone who is abnormal, benefits from a label
- When someone is living a happy fulfilled life, there is no benefit to them being labelled as abnormal.
- So someone with a very low IQ but who is not distressed and quite capable of working, would simply not need a diagnosis of an intellectual disability.
- If they were labelled as abnormal, this might have a negative effect on the way others view them and the way they view themselves.
Deviation from social Norms evaluations (AO3)
1) -cultural relativism
Social Norms varies between different generations and cultures. This means that someone from one culture may appear to be behaving abnormally to another culture according to their different standards. For example the contrasting views in homosexuality, where it is socially acceptable in some countries, but is a sign of mental abnormality in others
2) - deviance is related to context and degree
Judgements on deviance is often related to the context of behaviour
For example, if someone was at the beach wearing next to nothing it would be considered normal attire, but if the same behaviour was carried out in a classroom, that could be an indication of a mental disorder.
This shows that social deviants on its own cannot offer a complete definition of abnormality, because it is inevitable related to both context and degree.
3) + this does distinguish between desirable and undesireable behaviour
This explanations learning distinguishes between desirable and undesirable behaviour, a feature that the Statistical deviation ignored.
According to this definition abnormal behaviours are damaging to others. It offers a practical and useful way of identifying undesirable and potentially damaging behaviour
Failure to function adequately evaluation AO3
1) + considers the patients perspective
It attempts to include the subject experience of the individual, which statistical infrequency doesn’t consider.
It may not be an entirely satisfactory approach because it is difficult to assess distress, but this definition acknowledges the experience of the patient it important.
This suggests that failure to function adequately is the useful criteria to assess abnormality.
2) - isn’t it simply a deviation of social norms
May be seen as an overlap between failing to function and deviating from social standards
In practice it can be hard to say when someone is failing to function or is simply just deviating from social norms.
For example, those with alternative lifestyles may be classified as abnormal when they simply just choose to life differently. Similarly those who practice extreme sports or religious beliefs could be accused of behaving in a maladaptive way. (Sever dieting and fasting) if we treated these behaviours as failures of adequate functioning, we risk limiting personal freedom and discriminating against minority groups
3) - subjective judgments
When deciding whether someone is failing to function means that someone has to judge whether a patient is distressed
There are methods for making these judgments as objective as possible, but fundementally someone must decide whether they are abnormal or not, it is difficult to ensure that they have the right to make this judgement and if the result could be skewed from bias.
Deviation from ideal mental health evaluations (AO3)
1)+ its a comprehensive definition (range)
It covers a broad range of criteria and most of the reasons why someone would seek help from mental health services
The sheer range of factors discussed in Jehovah’s ideal mental health make it a good tool for thinking about mental wellbeing.
2)-cultural relativism
Some of the ideas in Jehodah’s classification are specific to western cultures.
Eg the idea of self actualisation would be considered self indulgent in many countries as it emphasises so much on the individual rather than the family or community
Similarly, much of the world would see independence from other people as a bad thing, such traits are typical of individualist cultures
3) - this sets an unrealistically high standard for mental health,
Very few of us attain all of jahodah’s criteria for good mental health. Probably none of us achieve them all at the same time.
Therefore this approach would claim that all of us are abnormal
4)+ but on the other hand it makes it clear to people all the ways in which they could benefit from seeking treatment to improve their mental health.
A general evaluation AO3
- labelling
When we make a judgement that someone is failing to cope, and we may give them a label that adds to their problems,
For example, it is very normal to get depressed after the loss of a job or family member, someone in that position may benefit from psychological help, however future employers , partners and even finance organisation may attach that label to that person and it may prove to be damaging to them in the future
