Definitions of abnormality

• What is psychopathology?

  The scientific study of psychological disorders
• How do doctors identify physical disorders?

  By identifying signs and symptoms
• What is the challenge in identifying psychological disorders?

  Determining when behavior is 'ill'
• Why is no single definition of abnormality adequate?

  Each captures only some aspects of abnormality
• What are the main ways psychologists define abnormality?

  • Statistical infrequency
  • Deviation from social norms
  • Failure to function adequately
  • Deviation from ideal mental health
• What does statistical infrequency state about human behavior?

  It is abnormal if statistically rare
• How is statistical infrequency used in research?

  To calculate behaviors that are less frequent
• What does a normal distribution curve show?

  Where 'normal' and 'abnormal' behaviors fall
• What percentage of the population falls outside two standard deviations?

  Less than 5%
• What is the average IQ score set at?

  100
• What percentage of people have an IQ between 85 and 115?

  68%
• What IQ score is considered abnormal for intellectual disability disorder?

  Below 70
• What percentage of the population is estimated to have schizophrenia?

  Approximately 1%
• What are the strengths of statistical infrequency in defining abnormality?

  • Real-world applications in clinical practice
  • Useful for formal diagnosis and symptom assessment
  • Increases reliability of diagnosis among professionals
• What is a limitation of using cut-off points in statistical infrequency?

  They can be arbitrary and subjective
• Why can some statistically rare behaviors be desirable?

  High IQ is considered a desirable trait
• What is a limitation of statistical infrequency regarding common behaviors?

  Some abnormal behaviors are not statistically rare
• What are the pros and cons of using statistical infrequency for diagnosis?

  Pros:

  • Access to treatments for high scores
  • Helps identify severe cases

  
  

  Cons:

  • Labels individuals as abnormal
  • Raises social sensitivity issues
• How is statistical infrequency viewed in terms of ethnocentrism?

  It may be less ethnocentric than other definitions
• What does deviation from social norms measure?

  How behavior deviates from societal norms
• What are social norms?

  Unwritten rules of acceptable behavior
• What is a symptom of antisocial personality disorder?

  Impulsivity and aggression
• What is a criticism of deviation from social norms?

  It depends on social context
• How can social norms change over time?

  They can reflect changing societal attitudes
• What was the view of homosexuality in America until the 1970s?

  It was viewed as a disorder
• What does cultural relativism imply about abnormality?

  It varies from culture to culture
• How does deviation from social norms aid social interaction?

  It helps avoid socially deviant behaviors
• What does failure to function adequately assess?

  Individual's thoughts and behaviors from their perspective
• What does dysfunction indicate in terms of abnormality?

  Inability to cope with life and relationships
• What are the features of personal distress according to Rosenhan & Seligman?

  • Depression and anxiety disorders
  • Intense unhappiness
  • Sleep loss and constant tiredness
• What does dysfunctional behavior refer to?

  Behavior that stops normal functioning
• What indicates that an individual has stopped living a 'normal' life?

  Inability to cope with life and relationships
• What does dysfunction or abnormality lead to in an individual?

  Inability to function normally in daily life
• Who suggested the concept of dysfunction in psychology?

  Rosenhan & Seligman
• What are the indicators of psychological and behavioral abnormality according to Rosenhan & Seligman?

  • Personal Distress
  • Dysfunctional or Maladaptive Behaviour
  • Irrational Behaviour
• How is dysfunctional behavior defined?

  Behavior that prevents achieving personal goals
• How can alcoholism be considered dysfunctional?

  It prevents holding a job
• What characterizes irrational behavior?

  Behavior that does not make sense to others
• What is the WHODAS assessment used for?

  • Measures ability to function
  • Considers 6 areas of life
  • Provides a score out of 18
• What is a strength of the failure to function adequately (FFA) definition?

  It recognizes subjective patient experiences