Definitions Of Abnormality (Psychopathology)

Question 0

Deviation From Social Norms

• Definition
• Evaluation

Answer 0

-Social judgement of what is acceptable

• Not a sole explanation, other factors matter, e.g, distress to others
• Cultural relativism, different cultures have different norms
• Can lead to human rights abuse, the social norms approach maintains control over minority groups, e.g women

Question 1

Statistical Deviation

• Definition
• Evaluation

Answer 1

• Numerically unusual characteristic
• Intellectual disability disorder
• Real life application is assessing patients
• Unusual characterises can be desirable and not require treatment
• Not everyone benefits from a label

Question 2

Failure To Function Adequately

• Definition
• Evaluation

Answer 2

• Failing to cope with the demands of everyday life
• Failing to function adequately is part of the diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder
• Patient’s perspective, captures the experience of people with mental distress problems
• May simple be deviation from social norms
• Subjective judgement as the psychiatrist makes the final decision

Question 3

Deviation From Ideal Mental Health

• Definition
• Evaluation

Answer 3

-Jahoda considered normality rather than abnormality

• Comprehensive definition, covers all the reasons why someone may seek help
• Cultural relativism, ideals are specific to western cultures, e.g, self actualisation
• Set unrealistically high standards for ideal mental health, very few people can achieve all of the ideals