definitions of abnormality

Cards (46)

  • What does the prefix "psycho" mean in psychopathology?
    The mind
  • What does "pathology" refer to in psychopathology?
    The study of disease
  • What mental health conditions are covered in the psychopathology video series?
    • OCD
    • Depression
    • Phobias
  • Which psychological approach is applied to phobias?
    The behaviorist approach
  • Which psychological approach is applied to depression?
    The cognitive approach
  • Which psychological approach is applied to OCD?
    The biological approach
  • What is the challenge in defining someone as mentally abnormal?
    • No clear definition exists
    • Must include and exclude certain individuals
  • 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 population statistics
  • What is the average IQ score according to the statistical infrequency definition?
    100
  • How many standard deviations away from the average IQ is considered abnormal?
    Two standard deviations
  • What percentage of the population falls into the low intelligence bracket?
    Just over two percent
  • What is a positive evaluation of statistical infrequency?
    Objective measurement of low IQ
  • What is a criticism of statistical infrequency regarding the cutoff point?
    It is a subjective decision
  • Why might high intelligence be a criticism of statistical infrequency?
    It includes high intelligence as abnormal
  • What is a limitation of statistical infrequency regarding common mental health conditions?
    It doesn't match high incidence disorders
  • What does the failure to function adequately definition consider?
    • Individual's ability to cope
    • Interaction with the world
    • Meeting daily challenges
  • What are the features of failure to function according to Rosenhan and Seligman?
    Maladaptive behavior, personal anguish, observer discomfort
  • What is maladaptive behavior?
    Behaviors against long-term interests
  • What does personal anguish refer to in failure to function?
    Distress from inability to cope
  • What is observer discomfort?
    Behaviour causing distress to others
  • What does rationality refer to in failure to function?
    Understanding motivation behind behavior
  • What is unconventionality in the context of failure to function?
    Behavior against societal expectations
  • What is a criticism of the failure to function definition?
    Subjective observer opinions on coping
  • Why might psychopaths be excluded from the failure to function definition?
    They can function successfully in society
  • What is a criticism regarding maladaptive behavior?
    Not all maladaptive behavior indicates illness
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the failure to function definition?
    Strengths:
    • Respects individual experiences
    Weaknesses:
    • Subjective observer opinions
    • Excludes some abnormal individuals
  • What is deviation from social norms?
    • Unwritten expectations of behavior
    • Varies by culture and time
  • How can social norms vary?
    By culture and context
  • What is a positive aspect of deviation from social norms?
    Respects cultural differences
  • What is a criticism of deviation from social norms?
    Difficulty applying across cultures
  • What is category failure in the context of deviation from social norms?
    Applying Western definitions to other cultures
  • How might hallucinations be viewed differently in cultures?
    As normal religious experiences
  • What does deviation from ideal mental health focus on?
    • Improvement and personal growth
    • Identifies features of ideal mental health
  • What are the six features of ideal mental health according to Jahoda?
    Environmental mastery, autonomy, resistance to stress
  • What does environmental mastery refer to?
    Ability to adapt and thrive
  • What does autonomy refer to in ideal mental health?
    Acting independently and trusting oneself
  • What does resistance to stress mean?
    Internal strength to cope with anxiety
  • What is self-actualization?
    Reaching one's potential through growth