Definitions of Abnormality

Question 1

How does Statistical Frequency define Abnormality?

Answer 1

Behaviour is abnormal if it’s statistically rare or if it deviates from the mean average in a normal population. In a normal distribution curve most people fall on or cluster around the mean point but those who fall on the edge or MORE THAN 2 standard deviation points away from the mean are statistically rare - this is called deviation from statistical norms

Question 2

What is a normal distribution curve?

Answer 2

It is a bell shape frequency curve that shows the average spread of a characteristic of a population. This mathematical principle provides the basis for statistical infrequency

Question 3

What is standard deviation?

Answer 3

It is a measure to show how far scores fall on either side of the mean

Question 4

What is a strength of Statistical Infrequency?

Answer 4

It offers clear and visual guidelines to identify what is or isn’t normal behaviour by introducing the element of objectivity. There is no rooms for opinion which prevents mental health care workers from disputing if a patient is abnormal. Therefore there is no bias involved which increases the accuracy of this definition

Question 5

How has Statistical frequency had real world application/use?

Answer 5

Useful in the clinical assessment of intellectual disability in patients. Doctors use IQ tests to determine if the score is below 70 which is considered abnormal. The 2.5% of the population who score below 70 have been diagnosed with Intellectual Disability Disorder. So this aids the diagnosis of patients therefore allowing those to receive the treatment required for a healthy and fulfilling life

Question 6

What is the mean and standard deviation of IQ?

Answer 6

Mean IQ is 100 and standard deviation is 15. 68% of the population fall 1 standard deviation point away so score 85-115. 95% of the population fall 2 standard deviation points away so score 70-130. 5% of population fall more than two standard deviation points away.

Question 7

What is a weakness of Statistical Infrequency?

Answer 7

The cut-off point at which we separate normal from abnormal on a normal distribution is subjective and therefore based on opinion. Someone close to cut-off point wont be able to receive treatment even if they require it. This impacts individuals as they may need to pay privately for treatment. Although the wider economic impact on NHS not being under pressure outweighs this cost. Or some people may be wrongly considered abnormal e.g. the trait sleeping difficulty is subjectivity chosen to diagnose patients with depression yet this trait may not be the result of depression.

Question 8

What is another weakness of Statistical infrequency?

Answer 8

Some behaviours that are considered abnormal are actually statistically frequent rather than rare. Depression is a common psychopathology - in a survey by NHS in 2014, 1 in 6 adults met the criteria for a common mental health disorder. So this definition does not match with the high incidents of mental health in society. The effects of COVID is likely increasing this figure

Question 9

What is another disadvantage of this definition?

Answer 9

Assume all statistically rare traits are negative because they don’t fit the ‘normal’ distribution. However, an exceptionally high IQ of above 130 is actually highly desirable and can help individuals excel academically. This may make individuals feel negative about themselves which can impact on their mental health. So defining characteristics solely on deviation from statistical norms is unsuitable

Question 10

Explain Deviation from Social Norms as a definition for abnormality

Answer 10

In society there are standards of expected behaviour and social norms (explicit written rules and laws or unwritten rules constructed by society) that must be followed to ensure society functions smoothly. The social norms can be context dependent or culturally specific (because norms are a group judgement of what’s acceptable). Those who deviate from the social norms and expected behaviours are deemed abnormal

Question 11

Give an example of a context dependent social norm

Answer 11

Eating with cutlery and not hands is expected in a restaurant however its acceptable to eat with your hands at a BBQ

Question 12

Given an example of a culturally specific social norm

Answer 12

There is greater acceptance of homosexuality in more secular and affluent countries like UK, US Canada and less acceptance in middle eastern countries

Question 13

Give one strength of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality

Answer 13

Acknowledges and respects the cultural differences between societies so it doesn’t impose a set definition of abnormality that might, for example, impose a western view on eastern cultures. Therefore, it doesn’t suffer from cultural relativism and ethnocentrism like other definitions i.e. statistical infrequency

Question 14

Give one weakness of deviation from social norms

Answer 14

Doesn’t consider people moving from one culture to another where there are different social norms to their country of origin. Fernando (1998) - people from an Afro-Caribbean background living in the UK are 7x more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia than someone living in UK all their life. This is a ‘category failure’ where the western definition of mental illness has been placed on these individuals for not acting according to western cultural norms. The hallucinations and religious experiences e.g. talking to angels that those from an Afro-Caribbean heritage report, are a normal part of their culture but interpreted as abnormal by UK doctors. This problem needs to be considered even more today as globalization is accelerating migration across the world.

Question 15

What is another disadvantage of deviation from social norms

Answer 15

Social norms are subject to change over time so this definition is era-dependent. So what was once deviant and therefore abnormal may be no longer (vice versa). Before the Sexual Offences Act 1967, homosexuality in the UK was socially deviant however, this law decriminalised homosexuality and ensured homosexual people are not discriminated against thereby making those who are prejudice the abnormal ones in today’s society.

Question 16

Who proposed the idea of Deviation from Ideal Mental Health?

Answer 16

Marie Jahoda (1958) - came from a Humanist perspective on abnormality that doesn’t focus on dysfunction or deficit but rather the ways to become a better person.

Question 17

Describe Deviation from Ideal Mental health as a definition for abnormality

Answer 17

With the humanist principle in mind Jahoda didn’t define abnormality but rather defined 6 features of ideal mental health (EAR SPA) and deviation or the absence of one of these features is what defines abnormality.

Question 18

Define the first feature of ideal mental health

Answer 18

Environmental Mastery is where an individual is competent to the demands of new situations. They can adapt and survive in new situations by adopting flexible thinking

Question 19

Define the second feature of ideal mental health

Answer 19

Autonomy is where an individuals is able to act independently of others and take responsibility for their actions with trust in your own ability to get the job done

Question 20

Define the third feature of ideal mental health

Answer 20

Resisting stress where an individual is able to cope with anxiety caused by the demands of daily life

Question 21

Define the fourth feature of ideal mental health

Answer 21

Self-actualisation where an individual is able to maximise personal growth and development in order to reach full/ maximum potential in life

Question 22

Define the fifth feature of ideal mental health

Answer 22

Positive attitudes towards oneself where the individual is able to maintain a positive self concept which includes having high self esteem and respect for oneself

Question 23

Define the sixth feature of ideal mental health

Answer 23

Accurate perception of reality where an individual has the ability to look at the world in a realistic way and not allow personal biases and negative schemas to distort this perception

Question 24

Give one strength of Deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 24

Positive approach to abnormality by not just stating what defines someone as abnormal but instead identifying ideal mental health and many areas for personal development to allow someone to achieve optimum ideal mental health. It takes in consideration a number of factors which therefore takes a more holistic approach to abnormality allowing individuals to see the bigger picture on mental health

Question 25

Give a weakness of Deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 25

The criteria is overdemanding which places to much pressure on individuals to achieve all 6 features ideal mental health. It is unrealistic e.g. the process of self-actualisation is a theoretically ideal concept that very few people can actually achieve because self-actualisation requires the individual to reach the pinnacle of their abilities, ambitions and desires in life. Many people just settle below self-actualisation and are content with not reaching their max potential but this doesn't mean they are abnormal. Therefore diagnosis using this definition would be based on a set of ideals rather than how people actually are in the real world which may lead to mis-diagnosis and therefore greater strain on NHS.

Question 26

Given another disadvantage of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 26

Based on Humanistic psychology which often represents a western, ethnocentric view of ideal mental health. So this definition is an example of an 'emic' perspective on mental health being incorrectly applied to all people as a universal 'etic' construct. Therefore, using this definition for diagnosis may lead to incorrect diagnosis of people in eastern cultures who place less value of autonomy and personal freedom and therefore would not meet the 6 criteria and thus be deemed abnormal. Collectivist cultures place value on the success of community rather than personal goals (in individualistic cultures) which is the basis of this definition. Therefore, its only relative to the western culture.

Question 27

Who proposed the idea of Failure to Function Adequately

Answer 27

Rosenhan and Seligman (1989)

Question 28

Explain Failure to Function Adequately as a definition for abnormality

Answer 28

An individual is classed as abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of daily life e.g. going to work, maintaining relationships, maintaining themselves. Rosenhan and Seligman proposed 7 features that suggest an individual is failing to function and the fewer features the person displays, the more normal they are

Question 29

What is the first feature of failing to function adequately

Answer 29

Observer Discomfort where the individual causes distress to people around them e.g. from poor personal hygiene or not respecting personal space

Question 30

What is the second feature of failing to function adequately

Answer 30

Unpredictability where the individual acts unexpectedly in an inappropriate manner with lack of control over their actions

Question 31

What is the third feature of failing to function adequately

Answer 31

Irrationality where the individual acts in ways that others cant understand e.g. may be afraid of bizarre things in daily life

Question 32

What is the fourth feature of failing to function adequately

Answer 32

Maladaptive behaviour where the individual acts in ways that stops them achieving their life goals and goes against their long term interests

Question 33

What is the fifth feature of failing to function adequately

Answer 33

Personal distress - individual may suffer from anxiety

Question 34

What is the sixth feature of failing to function adequately

Answer 34

Unconventionality - individuals behaviour is odd in some way

Question 35

What is the seventh feature of failing to function adequately

Answer 35

Violation of ideals and moral standards

Question 36

What is the Global Assessment Functioning (GAF) scale

Answer 36

A method of measuring how well an individual functions in everyday life that includes Rosenhans features.

Question 37

What is a problem with the feature 'maladaptive behaviour'?

Answer 37

Not all maladaptive behaviour is an indication of mental illness or abnormality because many people perform behaviour that do not benefit their long term interests e.g. smoking or drinking is maladaptive but this doesn't mean they are abnormal nor does it stop them from achieving their life goals. It does not mean they are failing to function. Maladaptive behaviour like self harm does.

Question 38

What is a weakness of Failing to Function Adequately as a definition for abnormality?

Answer 38

Although failing to function can be measured using the Global Assessment Functioning Scale to determine if someone is abnormal, not all people with extreme forms of abnormality show observable dysfunctional traits. For example, psychopaths with dangerous personality disorders are able to fit into roles in society and appear normal. Harold Shipman was an English doctor who killed over 200 of his patients which is clearly extremely abnormal yet he didn't display all the criteria and was able to function in daily life with a normal job. So abnormality doesn't always stop the person from functioning