Definitions of Abnormality

• What does the prefix "psycho" mean in psychopathology?

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

  It refers to the study of disease
• What mental health conditions are covered in the psychopathology 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
• 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 normal distribution?

  100
• What percentage of the population falls two standard deviations below the average IQ?

  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 intelligence?

  Cutoff points for intelligence are subjective
• 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 like depression
• What does the failure to function adequately definition consider?

  • Ability to cope in daily life
  • 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?

  Behavior causing distress to others
• What does rationality refer to in failure to function?

  Difficulty understanding behavior motivations
• What is unconventionality in the context of failure to function?

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

  Subjectivity in determining coping ability
• Why are psychopaths excluded from failure to function definition?

  They can function successfully in society
• What is a positive aspect of failure to function definition?

  It respects individual experiences
• What is deviation from social norms?

  • Unwritten expectations of behavior
  • Varies by culture and time
  • Can lead to labeling as abnormal
• How do social norms vary?

  They change by culture and context
• What is a criticism of deviation from social norms?

  It can punish individuality and expression
• What is a positive aspect of deviation from social norms?

  It respects cultural differences
• What is category failure in the context of cultural differences?

  Applying Western definitions to other cultures
• How might hallucinations be viewed differently in cultures?

  As normal religious experiences in some cultures
• 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 environmental mastery?

  Ability to adapt and thrive in situations
• What does autonomy refer to in ideal mental health?

  Ability to act independently and trust oneself
• What is resistance to stress?

  Internal strength to cope with anxiety
• What is self-actualization?

  Reaching one's potential through personal growth
• What characterizes a positive attitude towards oneself?

  High self-esteem and self-respect
• What does accurate perception of reality mean?

  Seeing the world without personal biases
• What is a limitation of Jahoda's definition of ideal mental health?

  It reflects a Western perspective on mental health