Definitions of abnormality

Question 1

What is a strength of statistical infrequency?

Answer 1

Real world application
-Diagnosis of mentall impairments/illnesses
-For example, +30 on BDI indicates severe depression
-IQ lower than 70 indicates IDD
-Thus has practical value

Question 2

What is a limitation of statistical infrequency?

Answer 2

Not all statistically infrequent behaviours are abnormal e.g High IQ above 130 is not seen as abnormal but gifted. Low BDI score seen as normal
-Insufficient explanation

Question 3

A strength of deviation from social norms

Answer 3

real world application
behaviours that deviate from norm can form the basis of a clinical diagnosis e.g schizotypal personality disorder characterised by ‘strange thoughts’.
APD diagnosed through antisocial behaviours

Question 4

A limitation of deviation from social norms

Answer 4

May be cultural and situational differences
-Hearing voices seen as normal in Haiti/ voices of ancestors but abnormal in western societies. May be ethnocentric definition
-Different situations have different norms e.g agressiveness in work

Question 5

A strength of failure to function adequately

Answer 5

Threshold for help
-Most indivduals struggle with m.h at some point. This shows us severe symptoms that will allow us to known when someone needs professional help

Question 6

A limitation of failure to function adequately

Answer 6

Ignores diveristy of lifestyles.
Those that choose to live off the grid/ look scruffy are seen as abnormal although they just live alternative lifestyles.

Question 7

A strength of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 7

Comprehensive defintion- Allows a clear comparison between mental health and disorder, this meand that individuals can be adequately assesed by professionals

Question 8

A limitation of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 8

Culture bias
-Some aspects of the definition e.g self-actualisation may not be seen as a sign of normality in non-western countries and may be seen as self indulgent