What is Abnormality?

Question 1

Define ‘abnormality’.

Answer 1

A feature or occurrence that deviates from social and cultural norms.

Question 2

Give 2 examples of abnormality and the justification for its abnormality.

Answer 2

1) Veganism
- Frequency of vegans is low
2) Murder
- It is against the law

Question 3

Why is it hard to define abnormality?

Answer 3

There is no clear indicator as to what is normal and different cultures perceive different things that they find normal and abnormal to other cultures.

Question 4

What must we take into account when considering abnormality?

Answer 4

• The individual’s behaviour of a period of time
• The situation the individual is in
• Substance abuse

Question 5

What is Clinical Psychology?

Answer 5

The study of mental health and mental disorders.

Question 6

Giving examples, explain the role of a clinical psychologist.

Answer 6

They deal with a range of mental and physical health problems such as addiction, learning difficulties, relationship issues, depression.

Question 7

Give 6 issues with forming a diagnosis.

Answer 7

1) Schemas
- People with different experiences can impact on others with different experiences
2) Gender
- Gendered behaviour can affect, such as an emotional women may not be taken as seriously as an emotional man
3) Practitioner’s Training
- Qualifications from years ago will be less useful in diagnosing at present
4) Culture
- Affects what would be perceived as abnormal
5) Perception
- People with mental disorders may not realise or don’t think diagnosis is worth it
6) Diagnostic Tools
- Referring to certain criteria for diagnosis can cause differences in diagnosis between practitioners