Definition Of Abnormality Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is Psychopathology?
The scientific study of mental illness
Sometimes referred to as ‘Abnormal Psychology’ as it involves studying psychological ‘abnormality’.
What are the four definitions of abnormality?
- Statistical Infrequency (SI) * Deviation from Social Norms (DSN) * Failure to Function Adequately (FTFA) * Deviation from Ideal Mental Health (DIMH)
Each definition is flawed and none can provide a comprehensive definition alone.
What does the ‘Statistical Infrequency’ definition focus on?
The idea that abnormal behaviours are statistically rare or uncommon
Normal behaviours are statistically common.
What is an example of a condition defined by Statistical Infrequency?
Schizophrenia, which affects 1% of the population
Highlights how some characteristics can be reliably measured.
How does a normal distribution curve relate to abnormality?
It shows the proportions of people who share specific behaviours or characteristics
The majority cluster around the average, with fewer people achieving scores further from the average.
What percentage of the population is typically perceived as abnormal?
About 5%
This percentage falls outside of the normal distribution.
Fill in the blank: The ‘Statistical Infrequency’ definition can be particularly useful when a characteristic can be reliably _______.
[measured or quantified]
What are examples of less common characteristics in the context of Statistical Infrequency?
- More depressed (low mood score) * Having a lower IQ score compared to the majority
These characteristics are considered rare.
How can Intellectual Disability Disorder be classified according to the Statistical Infrequency definition?
It can be classified as abnormal by this definition
It relates to the measurement of intelligence scores.
What is a strength of the SI definition of abnormality?
It is clear and easy to use, providing a straightforward way to distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior.
How does the SI definition assist clinicians?
It allows clinicians to assess the severity of symptoms in patients with mental disorders compared to the majority in society.
What is a limitation of the SI definition regarding the ‘cut-off’ point?
It requires subjective judgment on where the ‘cut-off’ between normal and abnormal should be.
What is an example of subjectivity in defining abnormality?
‘Difficulty sleeping’ as a symptom of depression can vary in definition, such as needing to sleep 80% or 90% less than the population.
This subjectivity complicates objective diagnosis.
What is another problem with the SI definition?
It defines positive characteristics as abnormal, failing to distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviors.
What is an example of a positive characteristic viewed as abnormal?
An IQ over 150, regarded as genius, would be considered abnormal by the SI definition despite being a desirable trait.
A good definition should only identify those in need of diagnosis and treatment.
What cultural limitation does the SI definition have?
It may be culturally biased, as behaviors statistically infrequent in one culture may be common in another.
What is an example of cultural bias in the SI definition?
Claiming to hear voices, a symptom of schizophrenia, may be rare in some cultures but common in others.
A reliable definition should be consistent across cultures.
