Abnormality AO1 Flashcards
(20 cards)
Statistical Infrequency
Abnormality is defined as those behaviours that are extremely rare, i.e., any behaviour that is found in very few people is regarded as abnormal. Eg, it would be seen as abnormal if a woman has her baby later than 20 or earlier than 40.
Deviation from Social Norms
Abnormal behaviour is seen as deviation from unstated rules about how ‘ought’ to behave. Anything that violates these rules is considered abnormal. Eg, homosexuality was considered to be ‘abnormal’ and was regarded as a mental disorder, and was against the law in the UK (but not nowadays).
Strength of Deviation from Social Norms
Deviation from social norms does distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviours, which is not achieved with the statistical infrequency definition.
Limitations of Deviation from Social Norms
Judgements on deviance are often related to the context of behaviour. Eg, a person on a beach wearing a swimsuit is regarded as normal, whereas the same outfit in a classroom or at a formal gathering would be regarded as abnormal. This means that social deviance alone cannot offer a complete definition of abnormality as it is related to both context and degree.
Strengths of Statistical Infrequency
Sometimes it is appropriate. Eg, intellectual disability is defined as an IQ which is more than two SDs below the mean. This suggests that statistical infrequency is only one of a number of tools.
A Limitation of Statistical Infrequency
There are many abnormal behaviours that are actually quite desirable. Eg, someone with an IQ over 150. But this abnormality is desirable, not undesirable. Therefore, using statistical infrequency to define abnormality means that we are unable to distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviours.
A Limitation of Both Statistical Infrequency and Deviation from Social Norms
Classification systems like DSM are based on Western cultures. However, cultures differ in terms of statistical infrequency and social norms. This means that there are no universal standards or rules for labelling behaviours as abnormal.
Limitation of Deviation from Social Norms (Context)
For example, wearing few clothes on a beach is normal, but is abnormal at a formal gathering. However, sometimes there is not a clear link between abnormal deviation and harmless eccentricity. This means that social deviance on its own cannot offer a complete definition of abnormality.
What AO3 are you using for Statistical Infrequency?
Strength: Sometimes it is appropriate. Limitation: It is culture-bound, some of these characteristics may be seen as desirable, cut-off points are subjectively determined.
What AO3 are you using for Deviation from Social Norms?
Limitation: Related to behaviour’s context. Strength: Distinguishes between desirable and undesirable. Norms change over time.
Another Limitation of the Statistical Infrequency Definition
Cut-off points are subjectively determined. E.g., people disagree on what constitutes an abnormal lack of sleep. Since this is a symptom of depression, it is important to know where the cut-off point lies for a diagnosis to be made.
Failure to Function Adequately
A person is failing to function adequately if they cannot cope with everyday life. If a behaviour is not personally distressing or distressing to others, a judgement of abnormality is inappropriate. Eg, schizophrenia. DSM’s assessment includes a quantitative measure of functioning.
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
Abnormality is defined as deviating from ideal positive mental health, as defined by Jahoda’s (1958) criteria for ideal mental health. Absence of these criteria for positive mental health indicates abnormality and a potential mental disorder.
Jahoda’s 6 Characteristics of Ideal Mental Health
- Personal growth and self-actualisation: The extent to which an individual develops their full capability. 2. Self-attitudes: Having high self-esteem and a strong sense of identity. 3. Integration: Being able to cope in stressful situations. 4. Autonomy: Being independent and self-regulating. 5. Having an accurate perception of reality. 6. Mastery of environment: Ability to love, function at work, and in interpersonal relationships.
AO3 for Failure to Function Adequately
Limitation: Some apparently abnormal behaviours can be functional. Eg, depression may lead to extra attention for the individual, which can be rewarding and therefore functional, even if regarded as abnormal.
One Limitation of the Ideal Mental Health Definition
Jahoda’s criteria are unrealistic. Few people satisfy all of the criteria all of the time. Therefore, everyone would be described as abnormal to a degree. We need to ask how many of Jahoda’s criteria must be absent before someone is judged as abnormal.
Another Limitation of Failure to Function Adequately
Someone needs to decide whether the individual is actually failing to function adequately. Sometimes, people experience personal distress and recognise their behaviour as undesirable. But other times, individuals are content with their behaviour, and it is others who are distressed by it.
Another Limitation of Ideal Mental Health and Failure to Function Adequately
These definitions are culture-bound. Both definitions are based on Western cultural ideas and beliefs. Applying them to members of non-Western cultures could be inappropriate.
What AO3 are you using for Failure to Function Adequately?
Limitation: Some apparently abnormal behaviours can be functional, and someone needs to decide whether this is actually the case.
What AO3 are you using for Deviation from Ideal Mental Health?
Limitations: Jahoda’s criteria are unrealistic, and definitions are culture-bound.
