Defintions of Abnormality (Psychopathology) Flashcards
Statistical infrequency/Deviation from statistical norms
-A statistically rare behaviour would be seen as ‘abnormal’. Any ‘usual behaviour’ is ‘normal’ and any behaviour that is different is abnormal
-a very unusual behaviour or trait will be more than 2 standard deviations from the mean. I.e. over 130 or under 70 IQ score
Strengths of Statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality
obvious, quick and easy to define
realistic-life application (it is easy to determine abnormality using psychometric tests developed using a statistical method)
most patients with a mental health disorder will undergo a psychometric measurement of their symptoms in comparison to the norm
Limitations of Statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality
desirability of a behaviour (many behaviours are rare but highly desirable, it is difficult to know how far above the average you’d have to deviate to be considered abnormal)
negatives of a label (being labelled as abnormal could be detrimental); some things (e.g. depression) are frequent but still abnormal
cultural and historical relativism, as what is common in one culture at one time may not common in another.
Deviation from social norms
Social Norms are rules set up for behaviour based on a set of moral standards. Any deviation is seen as abnormal (Szasz 1972). These may be culturally specific as homosexuality was considered a mental disorder in USA until 1973 and was legalised in 1967 in the UK.
An example is Antisocial personality disorder (Psychopathy). Lack empathy, aggressive, impulsive and irresponsible. According to DSM-V one symptom in diagnosing APD is an ‘absence of pro-social internal standards associated with failure to conform to lawful or culturally normative ethical behaviour’.
Strengths of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality
Real life application in terms of diagnosis, for example, antisocial personality disorder.
Limitations of deviation of social norms as a definition of abnormality
(Historical issues)Until early 20th century, unmarried women who became pregnant were interred in mental institutions. Until 1967 in the UK homosexual acts were criminal offences.
(Cultural Issues) Russia, a diagnosis of insanity was used to detain political dissidents. Japan, you are deemed insane if you do not want to work.
(Social Control) This approach has been used as a form of social control, for example, black slaves running away were diagnosed with drapetomania.
Failure to function adequately
Inability to cope with day-to-day life caused by psychological distress or discomfort which may lead to harm of self or others. E.g. someone with depression may only be diagnosed with the disorder if it hinders their normal functioning.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) propose six major features which indicate that a person may not be functioning adequately. The more of these features that are possessed by the individual. the more likely they are to be considered abnormal.
Strengths of failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality
Patients perspective attempts to include the subjective experience of the individual, this at least acknowledges the experience of the patient as important.
Limitations of failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality
What is distressing and who is distressed is subjective, some patients who claim to be distressed may be judged as not suffering
the context, some people engage in behaviours that could be considered maladaptive or harmful to the self, but we wouldn’t class them as abnormal
people who have alternative lifestyles may appear to function inadequately
some people have psychological disorders but still function adequately, for example, some people with APD function well and those suffering with bereavement may struggle to cope normally, but aren’t necessarily abnormal
a label gives a stigma that may stick around long after the problem has gone which can affect employment prospects and personal relationships.
Deviation from ideal mental health
Jahoda (1958) said that it was better to focus on positive aspects of mental health rather than the negative- so this is seen as a positive attempt to define abnormality.
Personal growth (Self Actualisation; should reach your potential)
Reality perception (should know what’s real)
Autonomy (should be independent and our ability to make our own decisions)
Integration (should ‘fit in’ with society and be able to cope with stressful situations)
Self attitudes (should be positive: high self esteem)
Environmental mastery (should cope in your environment, be able to function at work and in relationships, adjust to new situations and solve problems)
Strengths of deviation from ideal mental health as a definition of abnormality
it is comprehensive, covering a broad range of criteria and all aspects of mental health, being aware of all the different factors which can affect mental health.
Weaknesses of deviation from mental health as a definition of abnormality
cultural relativism (in western cultures individuality is valued but this is less so in collectivist cultures)
it is difficult to meet all the criteria, for example, very few people are likely to reach self actualisation and some people perform better under stress.
Paraphilias
sexually deviant behaviours
