Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
(12 cards)
What are the four types of abnormality?
Deviation from social norms, statistical infrequency, deviation from ideal mental health, failure to function adequately
How is abnormal defined in terms of deviation from social norms?
Any behaviour which breaks unwritten rules within a society/culture
Evaluate the definition of abnormality in terms of deviation from social norms
- Cultural bias -> social norms differ around the world and within sub cultures. This demonstrates ethnocentrism when we should consider cultural relativism
- ‘Normal’ changes over time and is influenced by politics. Eg. people who disagreed with communism in Russia were seen to have these attitudes as symptoms of schizophrenia and they were incarcerated in mental hospitals
- It is a subjective definition of abnormality which relies on the opinions of a singular society and their cultural expectations
How is abnormal defined in terms of statistical infrequency?
When behaviour (thoughts/actions) is statistically uncommon
Evaluate the definition of abnormality in terms of statistical infrequency
+ Objective way of defining ‘abnormal’ based on statistical data which has real life application
- Demonstrates cultural bias as different cultures have different norms thus different statistical averages. It’s not a universal definition
- A high IQ is considered a desirable trait but falls outside of the ‘average’, therefore may be implied that this behaviour requires treatment. 1 in 4 people will develop depression in their lifetime but this is seen as an undesirable behaviour despite being more common.
How is abnormal defined in terms of deviation from ideal mental health?
Absence of ideal characteristics for ‘good’ mental health
What are Jahoda’s (1958) characteristics of good mental health?
Personal growth - ability to self actualise and reach their own goals
Reality perception - how a person views the world is similar to how others view the world
Autonomy - being independent and displaying self regulation over thoughts, emotions and behaviour
Integration - ability to cope with stressful situations and form positive relationships and friendships
Self attitude - a high self esteem and a strong sense of identity
Environmental mastery - adapting to situations and the ability to ‘master’ different aspects of life eg. relationships, work, hobbies
Evaluate the definition of abnormality in terms of deviation from ideal mental health
- Unrealistic criterion as most people would be considered ‘unhealthy’. It is difficult to measure self - actualisation.
- Physical illness has objective measures, mental illness has subjective measures. They are not comparable
- Our perception of reality changes over time eg. hearing voices was previously viewed as a religious behaviour and now viewed as schizophrenia in western cultures
How is abnormal defined in terms of failure to function adequately?
Unable to cope with the demands of daily life which results in distress
What are examples of failing to function adequately?
Not washing, eating, socialising etc
What are the features which Rosenham and Seligman (1989) suggested of dysfunction with one characteristic defining abnormal?
- failing to conform to interpersonal rules, moral or social standards and making others uncomfortable
- experiencing severe personal distress and suffering
- behaviour becomes irrational, unpredictable and dangerous
Evaluate the definition of abnormality in terms of failure to function adequately
- It is difficult to define ‘functioning adequately’ as these are measures based on social norms or subjective observations
- Psychopaths are dangerous but appear normal and show no signs of dysfunction eg. Harold Shipman
- Ignores context eg. bereavement and depression show similar symptoms
