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Flashcards in definitions of abnormality Deck (13)
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1
Q

How does deviation from social norms define abnormality

A

abnormal behavior is behavior that goes against the expectedrules in a society/culture

2
Q

what are some weaknesses of deviation from social norm explanation for abnormality and explain why

A

it can be beneficial to break social norms (suffragette)

social norms change (ICD classed homosexuality as a mental illness till 1990)

deviation from social norms doesn’t always effect your mental health (eccentric people)

3
Q

failure to function abnormality definition

A

Abnormal behaviour is behaviour that leaves you unable to cope with daily life.

4
Q

how do decide if you are failing to function adequately ?

A

dysfunction has seven key features, the more you have the more abnormal you are.

5
Q

what are the first 3 criteria of failing to function

A

personal distress-sad,anxious,worried,scared

maladaptive behaviour-behaviour stopping people from achieving life goals

unpredictability-lack of control and unexpected behaviour

6
Q

what are the last 4 criteria of failing to function

A

irrationality- displaying behaviour that cant be logically explained

observer discomfort- displaying behaviour that makes others uncomfortable

violation of moral standards- behaviour that violates ethical standards.

unconventionality- behaviour that doesnt conform to what is usually done in a certain situation.

7
Q

weaknesses of failing to function

A

abnormality doesn’t mean you are dysfunctional (serial killers are not dysfunctional)

sometimes its beneficial to feel personnel distress such as when a loved one dies

behaviour that can be seen as dysfunctional can cause them no personnel distress

8
Q

ideal mental health abnormality definition

A

behaviour is abnormal if they don’t meet most of the criteria for normality.

9
Q

what is the criteria for the ideal mental health definition

first 3

A

positive self attitude-self esteem, self respect etc.

self actulisation- ability to grow, reach your full potential and feel fulfilled

autonomy- being independent and making your own decisions

10
Q

what is the criteria for the ideal mental health definition

last 3

A

resistance to stress

accurate perception of reality- no hallucinations or delusions

environmental mastery - being competent in all life aspects and adapting to changing circumstances.

11
Q

weaknesses of ideal mental health definition

A

the criteria can be to demanding, self actulisation is hard
some criteria is vague, personnel growth

not all the criteria works across all cultures, collectivist cultures and individualistic cultures.

12
Q

statistical infrequency abnormality definition

A

abnormal behaviour is behaviour which is statistically rare

an example would be the two ends of a bell curve diagram

13
Q

weaknesses of statistical infrequency

A

some traits are rare but desirable- high iq, good athlete.

some disorders aren’t rare, 27% of elderly people are affected by depression

many rare behaviours and characteristics aren’t abnormal such as being left handed or different coloured eyes.