UNIT 1: Defining psychological abnormality

Question 1

Define deviation from social norms

Answer 1

behaviour that is not the norm in society

Question 2

Define failure to function adequately

Answer 2

If you are unable to cope with everyday living then you are considered abnormal

Question 3

Define deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 3

[Jahoda 1958] identified six categories that people need in order to be mentally healthy…
Self attitudes: self-esteem and sense of identity
Personal growth: reaching potential
Integration: being able to cope with stress
Autonomy
Accurate perception of reality
Mastery of environment: ability to love, socialise, work and solve problems

Question 4

Limitations of deviation from social norms

Answer 4

• CHANGE OVER TIME
  What is regarded as deviant to one generation may be perfectly acceptable to the other (e.g. homosexuality was considered a mental disorder in USA until the 70s)
• CULTURE
  What is socially normal in one culture may not be in another

Question 5

Limitations of failure to function adequately

Answer 5

• CONTEXT
  After a loss, most people find it difficult to cope normally however this does not make them abnormal
• MENTAL DISORDERS + FUNCTIONING ADEQUATELY
  Psychopaths function very well but are abnormal

Question 6

Limitations of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 6

• CULTURE
  What is considered ideal is culturally specific

-IDEALISTIC
It is very difficult to meet all the criteria (e.g. sadly, few people reach their potential in self-actualisation)