Psychopathology -> Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards
Deviation From Social Norms
Abnormal behaviour is that which goes against the social norms in a given society or culture. All societies make collective judgements about what counts as normal behaviour. Any behaviour that does not conform is abnormal. An example is do not stand too close to a person you have just met. Social norms vary from culture to culture.
Weaknesses of Deviation From Social Norms
Beneficial
Suffragettes
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Change over time
Homosexuality
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Eccentric
Naturists
Failure to Function Adequately
Abnormal behaviour is that which causes an inability to cope with everyday life. A person’s behaviour may mean they cannot hold down a job, maintain a relationship, keep up with personal hygiene etc. Rosenhan and Seligman suggest personal dysfunction has seven features. The more features an individual has the more abnormal they are considered to be, this includes;
Personal Distress: Feeling sad, anxious, worried or scared.
Maladaptive Behaviour: Behaviour stopping individuals from attaining life goals, socially & occupationally.
Unpredictability – Displaying unexpected behaviours characterised by the loss of control.
Strength of Failure to Function Adequately
Recognises the patients perspective
Weaknesses of Failure to Function Adequately
Normal to suffer from personal distress
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Behaviour may cause distress to others, but not the person
Deviation From Ideal Mental Health
Under this definition, behaviour is abnormal if it fails to meet prescribed criteria for psychological normality. Jahoda devised the concept of ideal mental health. She identified six characteristics that individuals should exhibit in order to be classed as ‘normal’. An absence of these characteristics indicates that an individual is abnormal. The more criteria individuals fail to meet the more abnormal they are. Including;
Positive Attitude Towards Oneself - Having a positive view of self including self-respect, high self-esteem, confidence and a positive self concept.
Self-Actualisation – Experience personal growth and development to reach one’s full potential and feel fulfilled.
Strengths of Deviation From Ideal Mental Health
This is a comprehensive criteria for mental health which is based on similar models for physical health. However, mental health may not be the same as physical health.
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This definition of abnormality is a positive, holistic approach to diagnosis.
Weaknesses of Deviation From Ideal Mental Health
This criteria is very demanding and unrealistic. At any given moment most people do not meet all the ideals. For example, few people experience self-actualisation at all times in their life.
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Many of the criteria, such as self-actualisation are vague and difficult to measure and are therefore subjective. How can we tell that someone has reached their full potential?
Statistical Infrequency
Under this definition, abnormal behaviour is that which is rare. This definition relies on up to date statistics. In statistical terms, instances of abnormality would lie at the extreme ends of a normal distribution curve. For example, low IQ is defined as intellectual disability disorder. When looking at IQ scores, the average IQ score is 100. Scores that are significantly higher than 100 (e.g. 130), or significantly lower than 100 (e.g. 70) are quite rare or statistically infrequent.
- About 95% of the population will have an IQ score between 70-130
- Approximately 2% of the population will have an above average IQ score between 130 and 145 (significantly above average)
- Approximately 2% of the population will have a below average IQ score between 55-70 (significantly below average)
We can display the data gained from IQ scores in a normal distribution Curve
Weaknesses of Statistical Infrequency
Some psychological disorders are not statistically rare. Depression may affect 27% of elderly people. This would make it common but that does not mean that it is not a problem.
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Many rare behaviours or characteristics have no bearing on normality or abnormality, such as being left-handed
