Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
What is psychopathology?
The scientific study of psychological disorder
‘Psycho’ refers to psychological, and ‘pathology’ means the study of the causes of diseases.
How is abnormality identified in psychological disorders using definition deviation from social norms
By determining how behavior differs from what is considered normal
This involves understanding deviation from social norms.
What is the first method used to identify abnormal behavior?
Deviation from social norms
What defines behavior as abnormal according to social norms?
When it offends the collective judgment of what is acceptable or the norm
Norms are specific to the culture and can vary across generations.
According to the DSM-5, what is a key symptom of antisocial personality disorder?
Absence of prosocial internal standards associated with failure to conform to lawful or culturally normative ethical behavior
What is a strength of the definition of deviation from social norms?
It has real-life application in the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder
What is a potential negative consequence of relying too much on deviation from social norms?
Can lead to human rights abuses
Historical examples of deviation from social norms indicate what about diagnoses?
They were used to maintain control over minority ethnic groups and women
What is another negative of the deviation from social norms definition?
Norms can differ in culture and place
What is the definition of failure to function adequately?
A person is considered to be failing to function adequately when they can no longer cope with the demands of everyday life.
What are some signs that indicate someone is failing to function adequately?
- No longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules
- Experiences severe personal distress
- Behaves irrationally or dangerously
What is one weakness in determining failure to function adequately?
It can be hard to distinguish between failing to function and simply deviating from social norms.
What tool can help make judgements about functioning more objective?
The Global Assessment of Functioning Scale
What is a strength of the failure to function adequately definition
It recognizes the subjective experience of the patient.
What is the definition of statistical infrequency?
Statistical infrequency defines behavior as ‘normal’ if it is relatively usual and ‘abnormal’ if it differs significantly from this norm.
How does the statistical approach apply to measurable characteristics?
The statistical approach is effective for characteristics that can be reliably measured, such as intelligence.
What is the normal distribution in the context of IQ scores?
The normal distribution indicates that most people’s IQ scores cluster around the average, with fewer people attaining scores further from the average.
What is a potential positive aspect of unusual characteristics like high IQ scores?
IQ scores over 130 are just as unusual as those below 70, but high intelligence is generally not viewed as undesirable.
Why might labeling someone as abnormal not benefit them?
labeling someone as abnormal not benefit themIf someone is living a happy and fulfilled life, labeling them as abnormal may not provide any benefit, regardless of how unusual they are.
Unusual characteristics can be positive- e.g having an abnormally high IQ
What is the strengths for the statistical infrequency definition
It is objective and has real-life applications.
All assessment of patients with mental disorders includes some kind of measurement of how severe their symptoms are as conpared to statistical norms
What is the concept of deviation from ideal mental health?
It involves identifying what makes anyone ‘normal’ by considering the characteristics of ideal mental health
This approach shifts focus from abnormality to what constitutes psychological health.
What criteria did Marie Jahoda suggest for good mental health?
- No symptoms or distress
- Rational perception of oneself
- Self-actualisation
- Ability to cope with stress
- Realistic view of the world
- Good self-esteem and lack of guilt
- Independence from others
- Ability to work, love, and enjoy leisure
Jahoda’s criteria provide a comprehensive framework for assessing mental health.
What is the relationship between deviation from ideal mental health and failure to function adequately?
There is overlap; inability to keep a job can be seen as either a failure to cope with work pressures or a deviation from the ideal of successfully working
This reflects the complexity of defining mental health.
What is a strength of the deviation from ideal mental health approach?
It is very comprehensive, covering a broad range of criteria for mental health
This comprehensiveness makes it useful for understanding why someone might seek mental health help.
