Psychopathology - definitions of abnormality Flashcards
How is abnormality defined under the statistical infrequency definition?
Individual has a less common/rarer characteristic than most of the population.
Uses numbers to define abnormality so is a more objective measure.
Abnormality implied if behaviour is more than 2 standard deviations away from the mean (behaviour is in top or bottom 2% of population)
How is abnormality defined under the deviation from social norms definition?
Any behaviour differing from what society expects is normal.
Certain established societal norms of behaviour which provide expectations about how people should behave (passed on through socialisation).
Social norms change across cultures
How is abnormality defined under the failure to function adequately definition?
Inability to cope with the demands of everyday living
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) made a list: cannot work; failure to maintain basic hygiene; behaviour is maladaptive, irrational or dangerous; cannot manage own personal distress; causes others distress/harm
Can be used with other definitions such as statistical frequency
How is abnormality defined under the deviation from ideal mental health definition?
Positive definition as it defines abnormality as the absence of signs of good mental health
Jahoda (1958) developed criteria for these ideals:
- Accurate perception of reality
- Positive attitude to themselves
- Self-actualisation (ability to reach potential)
- Resistance to stress
- Environmental mastery
- Independent of other people (autonomy)
Define the term cultural relativism
Idea that one cannot judge behaviour properly unless it is viewed in the cultural context from which it originated.
A lack of cultural relativism can lead to ethnocentricism
What is an individualist culture?
Values the needs of the individual over the entire group
What is a collectivistic culture?
Values the needs of the group over the individual
