10- Defining Abnormalities

Question 1

why is being able to define abnormalities important?

Answer 1

so psychologists can have a clearer determination whether a persons behaviour is unusual or it is a more serious problem

Question 2

what are the four definitions of abnormalities

Answer 2

1. Deviation from social norms
2. Failure to function Adequately
3. Statistical Infrequency
4. Deviation from ideal Mental Health

Question 3

DEVIATION FROM SOCIETAL NORMS:
define a social norm

Answer 3

an unwritten rule about what is accepted within a specific society

Question 4

what is the problem with defining abnormality as a deviation from social norms?

Answer 4

that in the majority of cases, being eccentric is unlikely to represent any mental illness

Question 5

DEVIATION FROM SOCIETAL NORMS:
what does the behaviour have to be like as well as deviating from a societal norm?

Answer 5

• seen as being beyond eccentric and having a negative impact on a persons existence
• the behaviour must persist to the point of a daily basis

Question 6

DEVIATION FROM SOCIETAL NORMS:
what are the advantages of this?

Answer 6

-it can promote social change and can be the catalyst for change in cases where it doesnt mean the person has a mental illness
- abnormal behaviour is easily observed, giving it real world application

Question 7

DEVIATION FROM SOCIETAL NORMS:
what are the disadvantages of this?

Answer 7

• application doesnt apply across cultures
• social norms change over time
• social norms depend on the severity and context

Question 8

FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATLY:
define this

Answer 8

a person is considered abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life
also causing harm to others when doing so

Question 9

FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATLY:
who were the main psychologists behind this research?

Answer 9

Rosenham and Seligman (1989)

Question 10

FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATLY:
what do Rosenham and Selignam suggest?

Answer 10

that abnormality should be defined as varying characteristics that lead to a persons inability to function in day to day life

Question 11

FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATLY:
list the features of personal dysfunction that Rosenham and Seligman came up with

Answer 11

• Personal distress
• Maladaptive Behaviour
• Unpredictability
• Irrationality
• Observer discomfort
• Violations of moral standard
• Unconventionality

Question 12

FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATLY:
what are the advantages

Answer 12

1. considers the subjective of the persons characterisitcs
2. has an objective measure

Question 13

FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATLY:
what are the disadvantages

Answer 13

• validity can be questioned as its based on personal experience
• cross over from deviation of social norms and failure to function adequately
• behaviour must be considered on context
• situational pressures are not taken into account

Question 14

what is Statistical Infrequency?

Answer 14

that a behaviour is seen as abnormal if it is statistically uncommon

Question 15

STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY:
what are the advantages?

Answer 15

1. has good face validity
2. useful for non specialist medical professionals

Question 16

STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY:
what are the disadvantages?

Answer 16

1. misdiagnosis
2. labelling a patient can be damaging

Question 17

what is the deviation from mental health?

Answer 17

an approach by Jahoda (1958) that abnormal behaviour is the absence of characteristics, behaviours which deviate from the ideal mental health

Question 18

DEVIATION FROM IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH:
what are the six principles proposed by Jahoda?

Answer 18

the six things that if multiple are absent, indicate deviation from ideal mental health

Question 19

STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY:
list the six principles

Answer 19

1. Positive view of yourself
2. Being capable of personal growth
3. Being independent of others
4. Accurate view of reality
5. Being able to integrate and resist stress
6. Being able to master your environment

Question 20

STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY:
what are the advantages?

Answer 20

1. focuses on the positives
2. Positive and holistic view

Question 21

STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY:
what are the disadvantages?

Answer 21

1. unrealistic criteria
2. cultural relavitism