Topic 1 Definitions of abnormality

Question 1

PEEL 1
Desirable IQ

Answer 1

P- One limitation of the statistical frequency definition is that some behaviour is desirable.
E- E.G very few people have an IQ over 150.
E- This definition doesn’t distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviour.
L- Meaning we need a way of identifying behaviours that are both infrequent and undesirable.

Question 2

PEEL 2
Social norms

Answer 2

P- One limitation of the deviation from social norms is that social norms vary over time.
E- E.G homosexuality was seen as a mental disorder in DSM.
E- However now it’s considered to be socially acceptable.
L- Meaning the deviation from social norms definition is based on prevailing social morals and attitudes.

Question 3

PEEL 3
Culture bound

Answer 3

P- A limitation if both statistical infrequency and deviation from social norms is that they’re culture bound.
E- classification systems such as DSM are based on western cultures.
E- However, cultures differ in terms of statistical frequency and social norms.
L- Meaning there’s no universal rules for labelling behaviour as abnormal.