definitions of abnormality

Question 1

describe statistical infrequency

Answer 1

when an individual has a less common characteristic (example being depressed or low iq)

Question 2

what is an example of statistical infrequency

Answer 2

Having an iq below 70. You are classed as having a intellectual disability disorder. Most of humans will cluster to form an average and when plotted this is called a normal distribution curve

Question 3

one strength of statistical infrequency

Answer 3

It is useful in clinical practice. used as a way to diagnose and assess the severity of a individuals symptoms. Becks depression inventory - score of 30 plus you have severe depression

Question 4

one weakness of statistical infrequency

Answer 4

unusual characteristics can be positive for example if someone had a score of 130 on the iq we would not consider them abnormal

Question 5

describe failure to function adequately

Answer 5

when someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of day to day living

Question 6

who proposed additional signs of failing to function adequatlely

Answer 6

David Rosenhan and Martin Seligman

Question 7

4 signs someone in failing to functions adequately

Answer 7

• someone is unable to conform to standard interpersonal rules (respecting personal space)
• when a person experiences severe personal distress
• when a persons behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous
• maladaptive behaviour

Question 8

strength of failing to function adequately

Answer 8

represents a sensible threshold for when a person needs professional help. At any given time 25% of the uk will experience a mental illness but not all need professional help.

Question 9

limitation of failing to function adequately

Answer 9

it is easy to label non standard lifestyles as abnormal. People with no permanent address may just be living “off-grid”. It is hard to say when someone is really failing to function

Question 10

describe deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 10

when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health

Question 11

who proposed what good mental health is and when

Answer 11

Marie Jahoda (1958)

Question 12

name 4 criteria for ideal mental health

Answer 12

• no symptoms of distress
• realistic view of the world
• independent of other people
• environmental mastery

Question 13

strength of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 13

Creates a comprehensive definition, this makes it easier to discuss with other professionals. Sets a clear reason why we might seek professionals help

Question 14

One limitation of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 14

It is culture bound (self actualization is good in Europe but may as indulgent in other societies)

Question 15

Define deviation from social norms

Answer 15

Behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour

Question 16

one example of deviation from social norms

Answer 16

Homosexuality - it used to be illegal in the UK and still is / seen as abnormal in other countries.

Question 17

one strength of deviation from social norms

Answer 17

It is useful in clinical practice in the diagnoses of antisocial personality disorder. When a person lacks prosocial internal standards. Also the term strange is used to describe a persons thinking and behaviour of a person with schizotypal personality disorder

Question 18

one limitation of deviation from social norms

Answer 18

cultural and situational relativism hearing voices is normal in some cultures (seen as the voices of ancestors) but seen as abnormal in the UK. Aggressive and deceitful behaviour is good in corporate deal-making but not on every day life