Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
What is psychopathology?
The study of psychological disorders.
Define ‘statistical infrequency’
Idea that abnormality is based on how often behaviour occurs in a population.
How rare specific characteristics are in the population.
Abnormality is determined by how far an individuals behaviour deviates from the statistical norm.
Strength of statistical infrequency
Real world application
Used in clinical practice = formal diagnosis.
IQ below 70 —–> IDD
BDI —–> 30+ indicates severe depression
quantifiable + objective data –> allows professionals to clearly identify deviant behaviours from statistical norms.
——> ensures consistency + reliability in diagnosis,
facilitates development of appropriate treatment plans.
Weakness of statistical infrequency
Unusual traits seen as positive.
Assumes all statistically rare characteristics = negative
* problematic.
Some unusual traits (high creativity/IQ) = positive.
Fails to consider value + context of rare traits.
:. definition should not be used in isolation to determine abnormality.
Define ‘deviation from social norms’
Behaviour = abnormal if:
significantly violates expectations + standards set out by a society/ culture.
Social norms not static -> change depending on time/place.
Example of deviation from social norms:
ASPD –> antisocial personality disorder = persistent patterns of disregard for other’s rights and societal rules.
Deviate from expected standards of empathy/accountability
Strength of deviation from social norms
Practical applications
Definition = clear criteria for diagnosing abnormal behaviour.
—-> Identify behaviours that deviate from accepted societal standards.
- ASPD
- Schizoptypal personality disorder
~~terms like ‘odd’ and ‘eccentric’ cannot be quantified in statistical infrequency so relies on social cues.
= Positive impact in identification + diagnosis of abnormal behaviour
Weakness of deviation from social norms
Lack of universality
Normality varies by cultures.
Hearing voices —> associated with spiritual practices.
~~ variability causes stigma/misdiagnosis
Cultural context may not be taken to account.
Not universally applicable.
Define ‘failure to function adequately’
Can no longer cope with the demands of everyday life.
~~>unable to maintain basic levels of hygiene/nutrition .
What were the additional signs proposed by Rosenhan and Seligman?
~Personal distress
~Irrationality
~Unpredictability
~Observer discomfort
~Maladaptive behaviour
~Violation of moral standards
~Unconventionality
Often used with other definitions of abnormality.
Strength of failure to function adequately
Represents threshold for help.
Sensible threshold for seeking professional help.
Inability to do everyday tasks = significant level of impairment.
Practical criterion = allow professionals to prioritise those most in need.
Weakness of failure to function adequately.
Can be normal sometimes
Not all maladaptive behaviours sign of mental disorder.
Some circumstances which most people fail to cope (bereavement/relationship split)
Unfair to label these individuals as abnormal
Context should be considered
Weakness of failure to function adequately
Discrimination and social control
Easy to label non-standard life choices as abnormal.
Some people actively chose to deviate from social norms.
People who make unusual life choices = risk of being labelled abnormal
—-> freedom of choice restricted
Define ‘deviation from ideal mental health’
Proposed by Marie Jahoda (1958)
Focuses on what makes someone normal instead of abnormal.
What are the 6 categories of a person who has ideal mental health
- Positive self attitudes
- Personal growth + self actualisation
- Autonomy
- Integration (resisting stress)
- Accurate perceptions of reality
- Environmental mastery (flexibility to adapt)
Anyone who deviates from at least one of these criteria’s would be classed abnormal.
Strength of deviation from ideal mental health.
A comprehensive definition.
Jahoda creates clear + comprehensive benchmark for mental health
~~~~>Provides structured framework for assessing individuals psychological state by outlining specific criteria.
*Creates targeted + effective treatment plans.
—–> Enhances precision + effectiveness of clinical assessments/interventions.
Weakness of deviation of ideal mental health.
Culture bias
Criteria’s derived from western cultures e.g: independence + self actualisation
Collectivist cultures focus more on **community + interdependence **
Could lead to inappropriate diagnosis of non-western individuals.
——> Limited APPLICABILITY across diverse populations.
Weakness of ideal mental health:
List too demanding
Difficult to measure .: lacks objectivity
