Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
What are the 4 definitions of abnormality?
- Statistical infrequency
- Deviation from social norms
- Deviation from ideal mental health
- Failure to function adequately
What is statistical infrequency?
A person’s trait, thinking or behaviour is classified as abnormal if it is rare or statistically unusual. For example schizophrenia as it affects 1% of the population. Some abnormal traits may actually be desirable such as Usain Bolt’s speed.
What is deviation from social norms?
Expectations that a society or culture may have about how to behave in society. Implicit rules about how to and how not to behave in society.
What are developmental norms?
Behaviours appropriate for your age
What are situational norms?
Appropriate behaviour in a given situation
What are cultural norms?
Different acceptable behaviours in different cultures
What is deviation from ideal mental health?
6 criteria created by Jahoda that a person has to meet in order to be clarified as having the ideal mental health
What are the 6 criteria for ideal mental health?
- Positive attitude towards oneself
- Accurate perception of reality
- Autonomy
- Resisting stress (integration)
- Self-actualisation
- Environmental mastery
What is a positive attitude towards oneself (DIMH)?
Feeling happy for yourself. Having a positive attitude about who you are, without this issues such as anxiety and depression may occur
What is an accurate perception of reality (DIMH)?
The way a person sees their world and environment and whether this is realistic. Without this issues such as schizophrenia can occur.
What is autonomy (DIMH)?
Independent thoughts, behaviour and the ability to look after yourself. Without this issues with depression, OCD, and learning difficulties can occur
What is resisting stress (integration) (DIMH)?
Tolerance for stress of an individual. The ability to cope with stressful situations. Without this issues with anxiety, OCD and aggression can occur.
What is self-actualisation (DIMH)?
Persons with the ability to be content with themselves. Without this, issues with depression and schizophrenia can occur.
What is environmental mastery (DIMH)?
The ability to change and adapt to new situations without stress. Without this, issues with autism and OCD can occur without this
What is failure to function adequately?
When an individual is not able to cope or function in everyday life e.g. Hygiene, education, work, shopping, social networking. There are 7 criteria proposed by Rosenhan and Seligman as features of personal dysfunction
