Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
What is the DSM?
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Diagnostic list of mental disorders with clinical symptoms.
What are the 4 definitions of abnormality?
Statistical infrequency
Deviation from social norms
Failure to function adequately
Deviation from ideal mental health
How does statistical infrequency describe abnormality?
Behaviours that are exceptionally rare. When its frequency is more than two standard deviations away from the mean incidence rates represented on a normally-distributed bell curve.
(AO3) How can statistical infrequency be used?
To assess severity of a disorder compared to a ‘baseline’ value. For example SZ rate of 1%, but subtypes are more rare. Often used in diagnosis with failure to function adequately.
(AO3) Give 2 weaknesses of statistical infrequency.
- Some abnormal behaviours desirable e.g. high IQ
- Subjective cut off point. How many hours of sleep not normal? Difficult to define.
How does deviation from societal norms describe abnormality?
Deviating from societal standards is abnormal. These standards are norms set by a group of people or culture. Can be implicit (unspoken rules) or lawful.
(AO3) Why is deviation from societal norms susceptible to abuse?
Suggests behaviours not typically accepted as normal in a culture are a mental health disorder. E.g. homosexuality used to be in DSM. ‘Abnormal’ people susceptible to institutional & social abuse and discrimination.
(AO3) Why is deviation from societal norms culturally relative?
Social norms defined by culture. Western norms cannot be applied elsewhere. E.g. hearing voices in many African and Asian cultures is good - connection with ancestors - but is a symptom of SZ here. Can be addressed by including cultural differences in diagnostic systems.
How does failure to function adequately describe abnormality?
Not being able to cope with everyday living - motivation, social norms etc. Must cause distress and/or suffering to the individual or others around them.
(AO3) What is the main strength of the failure to function adequately definition?
Includes patients perspective. Includes patients self-reported symptoms and psychiatrist’s objective opinion. More accurate diagnosis - not restricted by statistics.
(AO3) What is the main weakness of failure to function adequately?
Subjective - who judges? Behaviour may be functional to individual but not to others. May cause distress to others - diagnosis. Nonetheless, if diagnosis relies on perspective, it is subjective and unreliable.
How does the deviation from ideal mental health define abnormality?
Absence of signs of good mental health = mentally ill. Same logic as: absence of good physical health = physically ill. 6 categories must be met to have good mental health. Absence of one criteria indicated abnormality.
What are the 6 criteria required to have good mental health?
Positive self attitudes
Personal growth
Integration with society
Independence
Accurate perception of reality
Mastery of environment
(AO3) What is the clear weakness with the deviation from ideal health definition of abnormality?
Unrealistic criteria. Would categorise majority of humans as abnormal. Criteria may be ideal, but lacking in one does not mean someone is mentally ill. Not usable for strict diagnosis and therefore definitions.
(AO3) Why is the deviation from ideal mental health culturally relative?
Concept of self-actualisation is individualist culture. Collectivist: focus on group achievement. Definition would only be acceptable in some cultures.
