Definitions of Abnormality

• What is the definition of statistical deviation?

  Statistically rare characteristics compared to the population
• What are the real-life applications of statistical deviation in mental health assessment?

  • Measures severity of symptoms
  • Aids in diagnoses like intellectual disability
  • Provides cut-off points for diagnosis
• Why can unusual characteristics be positive?

  High IQ scores are as unusual as low ones
• What is a limitation of using statistical deviation for diagnosis?

  It cannot be used alone for diagnosis
• Why might someone with a low IQ not need a diagnosis?

  If they live a happy, fulfilled life
• What is the definition of deviation from social norms?

  Behavior that differs from accepted societal behavior
• How does cultural relativism affect the definition of abnormal behavior?

  • Social norms vary by culture and generation
  • Behaviors acceptable in one culture may be abnormal in another
  • Example: Hearing voices in some cultures vs. the UK
• How does context influence judgments of deviance?

  Context determines if behavior is normal or abnormal
• What is a positive aspect of the deviation from social norms definition?

  It distinguishes between desirable and undesirable behavior
• What occurs when someone does not meet ideal mental health criteria?

  They are considered to have a deviation from ideal mental health
• What criteria did Jahoda suggest for good mental health?

  • No symptoms of distress
  • Rational self-perception
  • Self-actualization
  • Coping with stress
  • Realistic worldview
  • Good self-esteem
  • Independence
  • Ability to work, love, and enjoy leisure
• What is a strength of Jahoda's definition of ideal mental health?

  It covers a broad range of mental health criteria
• What is a limitation of Jahoda's ideal mental health criteria?

  It sets unrealistically high standards for mental health
• How does cultural relativism affect Jahoda's criteria for mental health?

  Some criteria are specific to Western cultures
• What is a positive outcome of Jahoda's high standards for mental health?

  It encourages people to seek treatment for improvement
• What occurs when someone is unable to cope with daily life demands?

  Failure to function adequately
• What do Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) propose as signs of not coping?

  Signs include interpersonal rule deviation and distress
• What is one sign of failure to function adequately according to Rosenhan and Seligman?

  Not conforming to interpersonal rules
• What is another sign of failure to function adequately?

  Experiencing severe personal distress
• What is a third sign of failure to function adequately?

  Behaving irrationally or dangerously
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the failure to function adequately definition?

  Strengths:

  • Includes subjective patient experience
  • Captures experiences of those needing help

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Difficult to assess distress
  • Overlaps with social norms
  • Subjective judgments by professionals
• Why might failure to function adequately overlap with social norms?

  It's hard to distinguish between the two concepts
• What is a potential issue with labeling alternative lifestyles as failure to function?

  It risks limiting personal freedom
• Who has the authority to judge if someone is failing to function adequately?

  A psychiatrist or mental health professional
• What is a challenge in making judgments about distress in patients?

  Subjectivity in assessing emotional states
• What is the implication of subjective judgments in diagnosing failure to function?

  It may lead to biased assessments