The 4 Definitions Of Abnormality Flashcards
What is Statistical Infrequency?
Behaviour is normal if it occurs frequently; any behaviour that occurs rarely is considered abnormal.
How are scores for a particular behaviour distributed?
The majority of scores will cluster around an average; the further we move away from the average, the fewer people will have this score.
How is individual behaviour compared to normal behaviour?
Individual behaviour is compared with what the average person does; behaviour only found in a few people is considered abnormal.
What is the significance of normal distributions in human characteristics?
Many human characteristics fall into normal distributions, indicating what is considered ‘normal’.
For example, in facing everyday challenges, it is normal to experience some stress; however, being completely fearful or fearless of these tasks is abnormal.
What is a strength of Statistical Infrequency?
Statistical infrequency is useful in diagnosis; for example, the Intellectual Disability Disorder requires an IQ to be in the bottom 2%, highlighting how statistical infrequency aids in diagnosis.
How does the Beck Depression Inventory relate to Statistical Infrequency?
The BDI assesses depression, and to be diagnosed, one must meet certain statistical infrequency criteria.
What is a weakness of Statistical Infrequency?
Unusual characteristics can also be positive; just because behaviour is statistically infrequent doesn’t mean it is abnormal or undesirable.
Can high IQ scores be considered abnormal?
IQ scores above 130 are statistically infrequent but are not regarded as undesirable or needing treatment.
Can Statistical Infrequency be the sole basis for defining abnormality?
Although statistical infrequency can be part of defining abnormality, it can never be its sole basis.
What is deviance?
Behaviour and emotions that deviate from the norm in a society.
Must also be behaviour that is deemed unacceptable by society.
What are social norms?
Social norms are created by a group of people and compromise what behaviours are acceptable standards of behaviour.
What happens to those who deviate from social norms?
Anyone who behaves differently from social norms is classed as abnormal.
Why are social norms important?
These rules are often in place for good reasons, e.g., they oil the wheels of interpersonal relations.
How are some rules about unacceptable behaviour enforced?
Some rules are implicit, while others are policed by laws.
What is an example of a historical change in social norms?
Homosexuality used to be considered abnormal and a mental disorder, and was against the law in the UK, but this has since changed.
What is a strength of using deviation from social norms in diagnosis?
It is useful in diagnosing conditions like antisocial personality disorder and schizotypal personality disorder.
What is a weakness of using social norms for diagnosis?
Social norms are situationally and culturally relative, meaning what is considered abnormal can vary by context.
Can you give an example of cultural relativity in social norms?
Hearing voices is socially acceptable in some cultures but seen as abnormal in the UK.
Cultural norms of the patient and clinician need to be considered.
What is an example of situational relativity in social norms?
Wearing PJs to school on a fancy dress day is normal, but wearing them every day when others are in uniform is considered abnormal.
What does ‘Failure To Function Adequately’ refer to?
Not being able to cope with everyday living, such as eating regularly, going to school, getting dressed, and washing yourself.
What are the consequences of not being able to function adequately?
It causes distress and suffering for the individual and/or others around them, such as in cases of schizophrenia.
When is the judgment of abnormality considered inappropriate?
When it distresses only others but not the individual, for example, if someone is content wearing unwashed clothes.
What organization helps diagnose those who cannot function properly?
The WHODAS organization, which uses a rating system from 1-5 to measure functioning adequacy.
What happens when someone is not coping according to Rosehan and Seligman?
They can no longer conform to interpersonal rules, experience severe personal distress, and behave in an irrational or dangerous way.
What is a strength of the ‘Failure to Function Adequately’ criteria?
It provides a threshold for professional help, targeting treatment services to those who need them the most.
What percentage of people experience symptoms of a mental disorder in any given year?
25% of us experience symptoms of a mental disorder to some degree.
What is a weakness of the ‘Failure to Function Adequately’ criteria?
It can lead to discrimination and social control, making it hard to distinguish between failure to function and a conscious choice to deviate from social norms.
What is an example of a conscious choice that may be misinterpreted as abnormal?
Choosing to live off-grid or partake in high leisure activities.
What did Jahoda (1958) suggest about defining mental illness?
Jahoda suggested that we should define mental illness by looking at the absence of certain criteria, similar to how we define physical illness.
What are the criteria for ideal mental health according to Jahoda?
The criteria include:
1. No symptoms or distress.
2. Rational perception of oneself.
3. Self-actualisation.
4. Ability to cope with stress.
5. Realistic view of the world.
6. Good self-esteem and lack of guilt.
7. Independence from others.
8. Ability to work, love, and enjoy leisure.
What is a strength of the ideal mental health approach?
The ideal mental health approach is comprehensive, covering a range of criteria for mental health.
How does the ideal mental health approach facilitate discussions?
It provides a checklist against which we can assess ourselves and others, allowing meaningful discussions with a range of professionals.
What is a weakness of the ideal mental health approach?
It may be culture bound, as some criteria are limited to the USA and Western Europe.
Why is self-actualisation considered a limitation in the ideal mental health criteria?
Self-actualisation isn’t recognized in most of the world, making the criteria culturally biased.
How does cultural variation affect the ideal mental health criteria?
There are variations in the value placed on independence across cultures, e.g., high value in Germany but low in Italy.
