definitions of abnormality Flashcards
define statistical infrequency.
a mathematical way of comparing rare behaviour to the general population
normal distribution graph
2 strengths of statistical infrequency.
+ allows fair assessment of abnormality by building a ‘cut-off’ point to see what is statistically rare. For example and IQ at lowest or highest 2% is abnormal
+has PRACTICAL applications as a person bellow 2 s.d in iq can be supported to succeed which suggests potential benefits to society
2 weaknesses of statistical infrequency.
- however isn’t always black and white and can be subject to change as other factors such as learning disorders can extremely effect IQ so cannot categories as ignores grey area
- not all abnormal behaviour is rare such as depression as 20% of people experience depressive episodes once in their lives. Not being able to suggest depression s abnormal may prevent treatments effectively.
define deviation from social norms.
when an individual breaks the expectations that a society or culture may have on how to behave (for example queueing)
2 strengths of deviation from social norms.
+takes into account different social norms so is more holistic such as situational-queueing, developemental- age behaviour and cultural- personal space.
+practical application as therapists can see where norms have been broken and can treat abnormality by systematic desensitisation
2 weaknesses of deviation of social norms.
- is subjective so limits usefulness as individual ides of norms change from person to person e.g queueing is britain
- is ERA DEPENDANT as homosexuality was considered abnormal until 1973 but now is widely excepted
define deviation of ideal mental health.
behaviour is abnormal if it lacks signs of what people consider ideal mental health
doesn’t define abnormality but defines how deviation could indicate abnormality
what is the 6 criteria for ideal mental health?
=positive attitude towards oneself
=accurate perception of reality
=autonomy (INDEPENDANCE)
=resistance of stress
=Self-actualisation (can visualise full potential)
=environmental mastery (can adapt without stress)
2 strengths of deviation from ideal mental health
+refreshingly positive as looks at what someone car do to achieve ideal mental health giving goals on areas that people can work towards
+characteristics are more relatable and can be targeted specifically to make themselves feel more positive without being overwhelmed by trying to tackle their whole mental health
2 weaknesses for deviation from ideal mental health
- idealistic to achieve perfect mental health suggests most people could be considered abnormal as few people only ever achieve self-actualisation so needs to be more realistic
–6 criteria aren’t as important in all cultures as high self esteem is important in individualistic cultures but not in collectivistic cultures as well as autonomy as in a collectivistic culture they improve the group not themselves
define failure to function adequately
an individual who cannot conduct daily tasks to an average standard like the general population, could be considered abnormal
what are the 7 features of failure to function adequately?
=personal distress =maladaptive behaviour =unpredictability =irrationality =observer discomfort =violation of moral qualities =unconventionality
define maladaptive behaviour
prevents a person reaching their own desired goals
define violation of moral qualities
not behaving in accordance to social norms
2 strengths for failure to function adequately
+ easy to asses consequences as can focus on specific features to work on
+more realistic as it suggests it is not black and white as lacking one feature does not mean you are failing to function they are more like guidelines as it could just be a personality trait
