Definition of abnormality ( 1+2 )

Question 1

Definitions of abnormality

Answer 1

• statistical infrequency
• deviation from social norms
• failure to function adequately
• deviation from ideal mental health

Question 2

Statistical infrequency

Answer 2

when an individual has a less common characteristic therefore its abnormal

Question 3

Deviation from social norms

Answer 3

concerns behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society so therefore its abnormal

Question 4

Strengths of statistical infrequency - real life application

Answer 4

P: A strength of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality is that there is real life application.
E: Statistical infrequency is used in the diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder. Furthermore, all diagnosis include measurement of severity of symptoms compared to norms.
E: This suggests that statistical infrequency is a useful part of clinical assessment.
L: Therefore, statistical infrequency as a definition fo abnormality is beneficial in identify individuals with abnormal behaviours and will potentially aid them in pursuing treatment.

Question 5

Limitation of statistical infrequency - unusual characteristics can be positive

Answer 5

P: A limitation of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality is that unusual characteristics may be positive.
E: An IQ over 130 is unusual, however, it is not undesirable and does not require treatment.
E: This suggests that not all statistical infrequent behaviours are negative.
L: Therefore, this is a serious limitation of the statistical infrequency definition of abnormality as it means that it cannot be used on its own to diagnose disorders.

Question 6

Strengths of deviation from social norms - real life application

Answer 6

P: A strength of the deviation from social norms is that it is supported by the fact that there are certain behaviours that are less desirable than others.
E: For example, high levels of aggression is considered in society.
E: This suggests that through identifying deviations from social norms - e.g. aggression - this can allow the development of treatments which will enable the individuals to perform socially acceptable behaviours.
L: Therefore, deviation from social norms as a definition for abnormality can be used to identify and treat individuals with abnormal behaviour.

Question 7

Limitation of deviation from social norms - cultural relativism

Answer 7

P: A limitation of the deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality is that it is affected by cultural relativism.
E: This is because social norms vary tremendously in cultures and between cultures. For example, hearing voices is acceptable in African-American cultures, however, considered a mental abnormality in the UK.
E: This suggests that deviation from social norms cannot be used to identify abnormal behaviour in other cultures.
L: Therefore, the deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality is limited by its cultural bias.

Question 8

norms are specific to the culture we live in

Answer 8

relatively a few behaviours that would be considered universally on the basis that they breach social norms
for example, homosexuality is considered as abnormal in some cultures

Question 9

failure to function adequately

Answer 9

occurs when someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of day-to-day living, so they are considered abnormal

Question 10

deviation from mental health

Answer 10

occurs when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health so they are abnormal

Question 11

David Rosenhan and Martin Seligman ( 1989 )

Answer 11

they have proposed some additional signs that can be used to determine when someone is not coping
- when a person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules
- when a person experiences severe personal distress
- when a person’s behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or others

Question 12

Marie Jahoda ( 1958 )

Answer 12

we are in good mental health if we meet this criteria :
- we have no symptoms or distress
- we are rational and perceive ourselves accurately
- we self-actualise
- we can cope with stress
we have a realistic view of the world
- we have good self-esteem and lack guilt
- we are independent of other people
- we can successfully work, love and enjoy our leisure

Question 13

Strengths of failure to function adequately - represents a sensible threshold for when people need professional help

Answer 13

• most of us have symptoms of mental disorder to some degree at some time - around 25% people in UK experience this
• treatment and services can be targeted to those who need them most

Question 14

Limitation of failure to function adequately - discrimination and social control

Answer 14

• in practice, it can be very hard to say when someone really failing to function and deviate social norms
• for example, not having a job or permanent address
  However, some choose to live off grid - those who have high risk leisure activities or unusual spiritual practices - risk of being labelled abnormal and freedom of choice may be restricted

Question 15

Strength of ideal mental health - comprehensive

Answer 15

• Jahoda’s concept covers most of the reasons why we might see for help with mental health
• can be discussed meaningfully with a range of professionals who might take different theoretical views

Question 16

Limitation for ideal mental health - may be culture bound

Answer 16

• some of Jahoda’s concept is located in the context of the US and Europe generally - so it is difficult to apply the concept of ideal menta health from one culture to another