Definitions of abnormality Flashcards
(18 cards)
What are the 4 definitions of abnormality?
1) Statistical infrequency.
2) Deviation from social norms.
3) Failure to function adequately.
4) Deviation from ideal mental health.
What does statistical infrequency mean?
= Occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic.
What does deviation from social norms mean?
= Noticed when an individuals behaviour differs from what is expected in society.
What does failure to function adequately mean?
= Someone is considered abnormal when an individual is not able to cope or function, in everyday life.
What does deviation from ideal mental health mean?
= Occurs when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health.
What is an example of statistical infrequency?
IQ and intellectual disability disorder.
The average IQ is set at 1OO. In a normal distribution, most people have a score in the range from 85 to 115. A small amount of people have a score below 7O. These people are unusual and are likely to be diagnosed with Intellectual disability disorder.
What is an example of deviation from social norms?
Antisocial Personality Disorder.
The common symptoms and traits of this disorder include:
- Impulsivity
- Aggressive behaviour
- Failure to conform to social norms
- No remorse
People with APD often show behaviour that goes against the established social or cultural expectations. This makes it abnormal.
How do you know that someone is failing to cope?
Rosenhan and Seligman =
- Unpredictability
- Maladaptive behaviours (goes against standards)
- personal distress
- Irrationality
- Observer discomfort (causing others to feel discomfort)
What is an example of failure to function adequately?
Intellectual disability disorder.
Before an individual is given a diagnosis they must be failing to function adequately and have a low IQ.
What is the GAF?
Global assessment functioning scale.
- Used to assess the severity of a person’s behaviour.
- Patients are given a score on how well they can function.
- Low score suggests a severe failure to function.
What does positive attitude towards the self mean? (Jahoda)
= A person should have good self-esteem and feel happy with who they are.
What does personal autonomy mean? (Jahoda)
= A person should be independent, able to make decisions and live without depending too much on others.
What does resistance to stress mean? (Jahoda)
= A person should be able to cope with everyday stress without becoming overwhelmed.
What does environmental mastery mean? (Jahoda)
= A person should be able to adapt to new situations and manage life changes without significant stress.
What does accurate perception of reality mean? (Jahoda)
= A person should interpret the world realistically and not have distorted thoughts.
