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Flashcards in Definitions of abnormality Deck (12)
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1
Q

Outline Statistical Infrequency as an definition of abnormality

A

mean, median, mode = descriptive statistics used to represent the TYPICAL value in any set of data

we define many aspects of what is ‘normal’ using typical values: e.g what is the average shoe size for a 10 year old

if we can find an average to define what is most common, what is ‘normal’, then we can also see what is uncommon and abnormal
- e.g it’s abnormal to have a baby at 10 years old because this is uncommon

2
Q

How might statistical infrequency be presented on a graph?

A

• the ‘normal’ ratings would cluster around the middle of the graph whereas the statistically infrequent ‘abnormalities’ would fall either side of the cluster, creating a somewhat ‘normal distribution’

3
Q

Evaluate statistical infrequency

A

(-) S.I cannot distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviours which is necessary when deciding what needs treatment e.g abnormal behaviour= extremely high IQ, ‘normal’ behaviour=depression (fairly common)
(-) the cut off point about what is abnormal and what is normal is subjectively determined
(+) sometimes statistical infrequency is appropriate

4
Q

Outline deviation from social norms as an definition of abnormality

A
  • this is social norms, rather than statistical norms as in statistical infrequency - norms/standard behaviour created by people
    • someone who deviates from the social norm is classed as abnormal
    • politeness is considered a norm and somebody who is rude is considered as ‘socially deviant’ because people find it difficult to interact with them
    e.g pedophilia is seen as abnormal behaviour as society doesn’t see it as acceptable
5
Q

Evaluate deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality

A
(-) it makes non-conformists susceptible to abuse and it varies and changes all the time due to changing morals and values (e.g homosexuality was seen as a mental illness and is now not)
(-) context and degree matter - e.g bikini on a beach is fine but bikini in a school class room is abnormal and possibly an indication of a mental disorder: cannot offer a complete definition of abnormality because it is somewhat conditionally and varies 
(+) does distinguish between desirable and undesirable
6
Q

Outline failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality

A
  • people are judged on their ability to go about daily life aka failure to function adequately
  • includes: eating regularly, washing clothes, being up to go out to a job or school, being able to communicate with others, having control
  • failure to function adequately causes distress to the individual and/or to those around them (some mentally ill people aren’t distressed due to no awareness of it being abnormal e.g schizophrenia)
7
Q

How can you test failure to function adequately?

A
  • DSM includes assessment of ability to function which considers 6 areas including self-care, life activities, participation in society
  • rate each item on a scale of 1-5 and then given an overall score out of 180
  • it is a QUANTITIVE measure of functioning
8
Q

negatives of failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality

A

(-) who judges? on the one hand it may be simple, person may experience personal distress + is unable to go to work,may recognise this is undesirable + feel distressed,however it may be more complicated- individual may be unaware they’re not coping or are content with their situation, but it’s others who are distressed by it - subjective judgment
(-) behaviour might be functional after all,not all negative+distressing although abnormal e.g cross dressers who make a career out of it

9
Q

positives of failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality

A

(+) does recognise subjective experience of the patient, allows us to see mental disorder from the point of view of the person experiencing it

10
Q

Outline deviation from ideal mental health as a definition of abnormality

A

• Marie Jahoda:
physical illness is defined by the absence of physical health e.g correct body temperature, normal skin colour etc
- mental illness should be viewed the same way
• conducted a review others wrote about good mental heath - characteristics which enable an individual to be happy (free from distress) and behave competently

11
Q

What are the 6 categories Marie Jahoda pointed out in her deviation of the ideal mental health theory?

A
  • self-attitudes: having high self esteem and strong sense of identity
  • personal growth: meeting full potential, full capabilities
  • integration - being able to cope with stressful situations
  • autonomy - being independent and self regulating
  • accurate perception of reality
  • mastery of the environment including ability to love, function at work etc
12
Q

Evaluate deviation from the ideal mental health as a definition of abnormality

A

(-) unrealistic criteria - most people according to this definition are abnormal
(-) unspecific and difficult to measure, how many need to be lacking to be considered/judges as abnormal?
> means it is an interesting concept but not actually useable
(-) cannot treat physical and mental health the same as you can’t detect the cause and treat mental illness as simply (may not be any reason for mental illness)