C5 - Definitions of abnormality - Deviation from social norms

Question 1

Deviation from social norms

Answer 1

• When they behave in different way to expected they are defined as abnormal
• Definitions related to cultural context & historical differences (e.g. homosexuality)

Question 2

Antisocial personality disorder

Answer 2

• Sympton is failure to conform to normative ethical behaviour
• Psychopath is abnormal as they deviate from social norms, lacking empathy

Question 3

Evaluations of devation from social norms (SL)

Answer 3

S - Real-world application
L - Social norms are situationally & culturally relative

Question 4

S - Real-world application

Answer 4

• Deviation used to diagnose APD, as it requires failure to conform to ethical standards
• Also helps to diagnose schizotypal personality disorder, involving strange beliefs
• Deviation useful in psychiatric diagnosis

Question 5

L - Social norms are situationally & culturally relative

Answer 5

• One culture labels someone from another abnormal using their standards rather than other person’s standards
• Hearing voices acceptable in some cultures, but abnormal in UK
• Difficult to judge deviation between contexts