Definitions Of Abnormality Flashcards
Define deviation from social norms
Standard of acceptable / expected behaviour are set by a social group
Anything that deviates from acceptable behaviour is considered abnormal
As behaviour is unexpected by other group members or causes offence to society
Example of DSN
In ocd some individuals may choose to bring there own cutlery due to fear of contamination thus this would be an unexpected way of behaving in society and so would be seen as abnormal
Weakness of DSN
Social norms are created within a culture
Dsn is limited by cultural relativism
Diffrent cultures have diffrent social norms
Eg in Western cultures receiving messages sent by spirits could be seen a schizophrenia as behaviour is unexpected within western society
Whereas in a non western culture this would be classed as a spiritual gift (shaman)
Thus may not be appropriate to use dsn to define abnormality outside a specific culture
Ao3 strength of deviations real life application in diagnosis of APD
Mental health practitioners can look at what is deemed acceptable within society and use those cultural and social norms to diagnose abnormal behaviour
Eg an individual who engaged in repeated illegal acts is deviating from social norms as this behaviour would be unexpected within society
These behaviours can be used by practitioners to judge whether an individual is displaying abnormal behaviour Thus diagnosed with APD
Thus deviation from social norms is a useful definition when differentiating between abnormal and normal behaviour
What is failure to function Adequately?
Not being able to cope with demand of everyday life
Looks at abnormal behaviour that interferes with everyday life
Eg unable to maintains standards of nutrition or personal hygiene
What did Rosenhan and seligman say that are the signs of FFA?
Maladaptive behaviour
Irrational behaviour
Behaviour dangerous to themselves or others
Severe personal distress
What would be an example of someone with FFA?
Someone with depression may be unable to keep a job
Eating habits may change
Unable to maintain relationships
They are showing inability to cope with demands of everyday life
Ao3 strength of FFA
Acknowledges personal experience
Eg although some criterion may be difficult to measure
Definition does take into account persons subjective experience and person distress
Therefore FFA captures experience of people who need help
Suggest it’s a useful definition of abnormality
Weakness of FFA
Whilst its easier to identify who is not coping dat to day
A weakness is it’s easier to label non lifestyle choices as abnormal
Very to say when some is really failing to FA
Eg those who are in favour of high risk leisure activities or unusual spiritual practices could be classed unreasonably irrational and a danger to themselves and therefore abnormal
Thus this is a limitation of FFA as a definition of Abnormality as people who make unusual choices were at risk of being labelled abnormal
