Definitions Of Abnormality Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is the deviation from social norms definition of abnormality?
When a person behaves in a way that is different from how we expect people to behave
Strength of deviation from social norms
It has real life application in the diagnosis of anti-social personality disorder.
Weakness of deviation from social norms
Too much reliance on it can lead to an abuse of human rights
What is the failure to function adequately definition of abnormality?
When a person can no longer cope with the demands of everyday life and function adequately
What did Rosenhan and Seligman say are signs of failing to function adequately?
When someone doesn’t comply to standard interpretation rules (eg maintaining eye contact)
When someone experiences severe personal distress
When someone’s behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or others
Weaknesses of failure to function adequately
It can be hard to say when someone is really failing to function and when they are just deviating from social norms
Someone has to judge whether a patient is distressed/distressing — may not be judged correctly
Strength of failure to function adequately?
Recognises the subjective experience of each patient
Objective way of determining abnormality as we can list behaviours — Global Assessment Of Functioning scale
What is the statistical infrequency definition of abnormality?
Not fitting into the statistics of what is seen as normal/frequent behaviour
Strength of statistical infrequency
Real life application - all assessments include measurement of how severe their symptoms are compared to statistical norms
Weaknesses of statistical imfrequency
Some infrequent behaviours can be desirable (eg, high IQ)
If someone is living a happy and fulfilled life there is no benefit to them being labelled as abnormal
What is the deviation from ideal mental health definition of abnormality?
Thinking about what makes someone normal and how the individual may differ from that
What did Marie Jahoda suggest the ideal mental health looks like?
No symptoms or distress
Rational and perceive ourselves accurately
Self-actualised
Can cope with stress
Have a realistic view of the world
Have good self-esteem
Strengths of deviation from ideal mental health?
It’s very comprehensive as it covers a broad range of criteria for mental health
It makes it clear to people how they could benefit from seeking treatment (eg counselling)
Focuses on what is desirable and how to help the individual rather than the negatives
Weaknesses of deviation from ideal mental health?
Sets an unrealistically high standard for mental health that most people can’t achieve at the same time
Based on western ideas
