psychopathology - definitions of abnormality

Created by

chloe

Cards (10)

statistical infrequency meaning
abnormality is defined as any behaviour that is statistically uncommon and not seen very often in society. The majority is classed as "normal" while the ones who fall into either end are classed as "abnormal"
deviation from social norms meaning
abnormality is defined as any behaviour which society does not approve of
failure to function adequately meaning
someone is abnormal is they are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life.
Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) proposed signs that people are no longer coping which are: not comforming to impersonal rules, severe stress, dangerous and irrational behaviour
deviation from social norms meaning
Jahoda (1958) suggested that anything deviates from ideal health is dysfunctional. He suggested that ideal mental health consists of:
having a positive view on yourself
having an accurate view on reality
being resistant to stress
A03 - strengths on statistical infrequency
it has real life application as it can be used to diagnose intellectual personality disorder
A03 - weaknesses of statistical infrequency
labelling - if someone is happy then there is no benefit to a label
unusual characteristics can be positive
A03 - weaknesses of deviation from social norms
not a sole explanation
cultural relativism - social norms vary from culture to culture
can lead to human rights abuse
A03 - weaknesses of failure to function adequately
does not take into account the patients perspective
if we treat behaviours as failures, we may limit personal freedom
subjective judgements - someone may be distressed but not suffering
A03 - positives of deviation from ideal mental health
comprehensive definition - covers a broad range of criteria for mental health
A03 - weaknesses of deviation from ideal mental health
cultural relativism - Jahoda's findins is specific to western cultures
high standards of mental health - only few reach all of this criteria