Definitions Of Abnormality

• What does the term "psychopathology" refer to?

  The study of mental health conditions
• What does "psycho" mean in psychopathology?

  It means the mind
• What does "pathology" refer to in psychopathology?

  The study of disease
• Which psychological approach is applied to phobias?

  The behaviorist approach
• Which psychological approach is applied to OCD?

  The biological approach
• Why is defining mental abnormality challenging?

  There is no clear definition for abnormality
• What are the four competing definitions of abnormality discussed?

  1. Statistical infrequency
  2. Failure to function adequately
  3. Deviation from social norms
  4. Deviation from ideal mental health
• What does the statistical infrequency definition state?

  Rare mental conditions indicate abnormality
• How is statistical infrequency measured?

  Using statistics and normal distribution curves
• What is the average IQ score in the population?

  100
• What percentage of the population is considered to have low intelligence?

  Just over 2%
• What is a positive evaluation of statistical infrequency?

  It objectively measures low IQ for support
• What is a criticism of statistical infrequency regarding the cutoff for intelligence?

  It is a subjective decision affecting many
• Why might high intelligence be considered abnormal in statistical infrequency?

  It is statistically rare but not pathological
• What is a limitation of statistical infrequency regarding common mental health conditions?

  It doesn't account for common disorders
• What does the failure to function adequately definition focus on?

  Individual's ability to cope in daily life
• What are the features of failure to function according to Rosenhan and Seligman?

  • Maladaptive behavior
  • Personal anguish
  • Observer discomfort
  • Irrationality
  • Unpredictability
  • Unconventionality
• What is maladaptive behavior?

  Behaviors against long-term interests
• What does personal anguish refer to in failure to function?

  Individual suffering from anxiety and distress
• What is observer discomfort?

  Behavior causing distress to others
• What does irrationality mean in the context of failure to function?

  Difficulty understanding someone's behavior
• What is unconventionality in behavior?

  Behavior that goes against societal expectations
• What is a criticism of the failure to function definition?

  Subjective opinions affect coping assessments
• Why are psychopaths excluded from failure to function definition?

  They can function successfully in society
• What is a criticism regarding maladaptive behavior?

  Not all maladaptive behaviors indicate illness
• What is a positive aspect of failure to function definition?

  It respects individual experiences
• What is a social norm?

  An unwritten expectation of behavior
• How do social norms vary?

  They can change between cultures and time
• What is a criticism of deviation from social norms?

  It can punish individuality and expression
• What is the humanistic perspective on mental health?

  Focuses on improvement and personal growth
• What are the six features of ideal mental health according to Jahoda?

  1. Environmental mastery
  2. Autonomy
  3. Resistance to stress
  4. Self-actualization
  5. Positive attitude towards oneself
  6. Accurate perception of reality
• What is a limitation of Jahoda's definition of ideal mental health?

  It reflects a Western perspective on health
• Why is the strictness of Jahoda's criteria a criticism?

  Most people can't meet all criteria at once
• What is a positive evaluation of Jahoda's definition?

  It provides a holistic approach to mental health