definitions of abnormality

Question 1

what are the 4 definitions of abnormality?

Answer 1

statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, deviation from idea mental health

Question 2

what is meant by statistical infrequency?

Answer 2

when an individual has statistically uncommon characteristics.

Question 3

what is an example of statistical infrequency?

Answer 3

schizophrenia - only affects <1% of the population

Question 4

what is meant by deviation from social norms?

Answer 4

behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society

Question 5

what is an example of deviation from social norms?

Answer 5

antisocial personality disorder - important symptom of which is ‘failure to conform to lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour’

Question 6

what is meant by failure to function adequately?

Answer 6

when someone is unable to cope with the ordinary demands of day-to-day living
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) proposed signs to determine if someone is not coping:
- no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules (eye contact)
- severe personal distress
- irrational or dangerous behaviour

Question 7

what is an example of failure to function adequately?

Answer 7

intellectual disability disorder - a diagnosis can only occur if an individual is failing to function as well as falling under the statistical infrequencies

Question 8

what is meant by deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 8

when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health
Jahoda (1958), criteria include
- we self actualise (strive to reach our potential)
- we have good self esteem and lack guilt
- we can cope with stress
- we are independent of other people