4.1.5 Evaluation of Definitions of Abnormality

• What are the four main definitions of abnormal behavior in psychology?

  Statistical Infrequency, Social Norms, Functioning, Ideal Mental Health
• What are some characteristics of Ideal Mental Health?

  Self-esteem and resilience
• What perspective does the Deviation from Ideal Mental Health definition offer?

  It provides a broad view of mental well-being
• What does Deviation from Ideal Mental Health mean?

  Lacking positive psychological well-being characteristics
• How do social norms affect the definition of abnormality?

  They change over time, affecting reliability
• What cultural aspect does the Failure to Function Adequately definition overlook?

  It is insensitive to cultural differences in daily living skills
• What is a limitation of the Statistical Infrequency definition of abnormality?

  It doesn't distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviors
• Why might some individuals function adequately despite having psychological disorders?

  Because the definition is not universally applicable
• What is a subjective issue with the Deviation from Ideal Mental Health definition?

  There is subjectivity in measuring the criteria
• What is the definition of Statistical Infrequency?

  Behaviors that are statistically rare are abnormal
• What is a key strength of the Statistical Infrequency definition of abnormality?

  Objective and easy to quantify
• What are the strengths of each definition of abnormality?

  • Statistical Infrequency: Objective, quantifiable, identifies rare conditions.
  • Deviation from Social Norms: Considers cultural context, understands behavioral differences.
  • Failure to Function Adequately: Measures daily coping, practical for assessing support needs.
  • Deviation from Ideal Mental Health: Emphasizes positive traits, broad perspective on well-being.
• What does the Deviation from Ideal Mental Health definition emphasize?

  Positive psychological characteristics
• What are the key features of each definition of abnormal behavior?

  • Statistical Infrequency: Based on normal distribution.
  • Deviation from Social Norms: Varies across cultures.
  • Failure to Function Adequately: Impairs everyday life.
  • Deviation from Ideal Mental Health: Subjective measures of well-being.
• How does the Deviation from Social Norms definition help in psychology?

  It helps understand cultural differences in behavior
• What does Failure to Function Adequately assess?

  Impact on daily life
• What does the definition of statistical infrequency help identify?

  Rare conditions needing specialized treatment
• What is a key strength of the Failure to Function Adequately definition?

  It measures coping with daily life
• What definition is most useful for identifying someone with learning disabilities?

  Statistical Infrequency
• What does Failure to Function Adequately refer to?

  Difficulty performing everyday tasks necessary for living
• How does the definition of deviation from social norms apply in practice?

  It determines if behavior needs legal intervention
• What is a limitation of the Failure to Function Adequately definition?

  It relies on individual judgment and observer bias
• What is a key difference of Deviation from Social Norms?

  Norms are context-dependent
• How does deviation from ideal mental health inform therapy goals?

  It focuses on improving positive mental well-being
• Compare the four definitions of abnormal behavior in psychology.

  • Statistical Infrequency: Rare behaviors, quantifiable.
  • Deviation from Social Norms: Context-dependent, varies by culture.
  • Failure to Function Adequately: Observable impairment in daily life.
  • Deviation from Ideal Mental Health: Focus on positive well-being, subjective.
• What is a major issue with the Deviation from Social Norms definition of abnormality?

  It varies significantly across cultures
• What does the Deviation from Social Norms definition consider?

  Cultural context and societal standards
• Why is the Failure to Function Adequately definition practical?

  It assesses real-world functioning and support needs
• What do the four definitions of abnormality capture?

  Different aspects of what it means to be abnormal
• What does the failure to function adequately definition guide?

  Support plans for individuals with difficulties
• How has the historical view of homosexuality changed?

  It shifted from disorder to normal orientation
• What is the overall aim of all definitions of abnormality?

  To identify abnormal behaviors
• How do the definitions of abnormality differ in their criteria?

  • Statistical Infrequency: Focuses on frequency
  • Deviation from Social Norms: Focuses on societal norms
  • Failure to Function Adequately: Focuses on daily functioning
  • Deviation from Ideal Mental Health: Focuses on comprehensive well-being
• Why is it important to understand cultural and historical contexts in defining abnormality?

  Definitions are neither universal nor fixed
• How can the Deviation from Ideal Mental Health definition affect individuals?

  It can lead to feelings of inadequacy
• What does Statistical Infrequency refer to in psychology?

  Behaviors that are rare in the general population
• What is a similarity between Statistical Infrequency and Deviation from Social Norms?

  Both involve behaviors outside the norm
• What does Deviation from Social Norms focus on?

  Societal rules rather than individual health
• How do cultural values influence definitions of abnormality?

  Cultural values dictate what behaviors are normal
• What does Deviation from Ideal Mental Health include?

  Multiple positive attributes of mental well-being