Definitions Of Abnormality

Question 1

Statistical infrequency

Answer 1

• implies that a disorder is abnormal if it’s frequency is more that two standard deviations from the mean which is represented on a normal distribution curve

Question 2

Weakness of statistical infrequency

Answer 2

Assumption that any abnormal characteristics are automatically negative, whereas this isn’t always the case

Having an IQ score above 130 would rarely be looked down upon as a negative characteristic which requires treatment

Question 3

Weakness of deviation from social norms

Answer 3

• due to its reliance on subjective social norms, this explanation also suffers from cultural relativism
• one example would be the hearing of voices. Some African and Asian cultures would look at this symptom positively, viewing it as a sign of spirituality and a connection with ancestors , as opposed to a symptom of schizophrenia
• therefore this criteria is only effective when applied to western cultures

Question 4

Jahoda’s criteria for ideal mental health

Answer 4

• self actualisation
• motivation
• resistance to stress
• high self esteem
• accurate perception of yourself
• environmental mastery

Question 5

Weakness of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 5

• suffers from cultural relativism
• concept of self actualisation which suggests that we must put ourselves first in order to achieve our full potential , may be viewed as selfish in collectivist cultures such as China where the needs of the community is put before the needs of the individual
• self actualisation may be more popular in individualist cultures such as the UK where the needs of the individual are greater than the needs of the group
• only useful for individualist cultures