Definition Of Abnormality Flashcards
What is statistical infrequency
An above outs way to define “normal” or “abnormal” based on how many times we observe it
Usual behaviour is frequently observed which is seen as normal
Unusual behaviour is infrequently observed is abnormal
What can Albert Einstein and Aidan Cawley be seen as
They can be seen as abnormal
What is normal distribution
Where people in the middle of the graph are statistically frequent
The people on the does are statistically infrequent
What are some strengths of the definition statistical infrequency of abnormalities
- useful part of clinical assessments
- scores can be measured numerically. Mathematical, clear, no opinions, no bias
- objective not subjective
What are some weaknesses of the definition of statistical infrequency for abnormality
- unusual characteristics can be positive
- “labels” may have negative effects
- can be seen as subjective at the person at the top makes the decisions
What is deviation from social norms about
• when an individual behaves in a way that is different from how we expect then to behave. Social acceptability
What is a strength of DSN
- causes societal boon
- clinical diagnosis can diagnose personality disorders
Weaknesses of DSN:
- Cultural relativism
- Social deviance - not all behaviour that breaks social norms be abnormal
What is FFA (Failure to function adequately) about
It is when an indictable can no longer cope with the demands of everyday life such as hygiene and sleeping well
What are some characteristics of FFA
- personal distress
- unpredictability
- Irrationality
What is a strength of FFA
- patients perspective
What is a weakness of FFA
- subjective not objective
What is deviation from ideal mental health (DIMH)
• more emphasis on what is “normal”, rather than “abnormal”
• If we know psychologically healthy looks like, we can identify who deviates from this, and so by definition is “abnormal”
• In order to define what ideal mental health is, we use a number of criteria which need to be met
What did Jahoda do
Created the IMH checklist and said if you meet the criteria you are healthy
What is a weakness of the IMH checklist
Sets unrealistic expectation for mental health
