definitions of abnormality

• mental health problem

  a behavioural or mental pattern that may cause suffering or a difficulty functioning in daily life
• how do we diagnose mental health problems

  using the DSM which is for mental health or the ICD which lists symptoms of all diseases
• what are the four definitions of abnormality

  deviation from social norms

  failure to function adequately

  deviation from ideal mental health

  deviation from statiscal norms
• what is the deviation from social norms definition of abnormality

  if people deviate from the standard/normalised behaviours of society /culture it could be a sign of mental illness
• weaknesses of the deviation from social norms definition of abnormality

  • people may be socially deviant because they suffer form a disorder but they may just be non conformist such as a protestor
  • social norms change overtime behaviour that was once abnormal is now accepted
  • culturally specific - dress personal space and touch is different in different cultures
  • society is close divided into sub groups and each of rhees gas it's one behavioural norms - actions seen as unacceptable to some in society is acceptable to others
• what is the failure to function adequately definition of abnormality

  every human being should achieved some sense of personal well being and should make a contribution to the larger group

  a person is considered abnormal if unable to cope with every day life/can't perform needed behaviours for everyday life
• What does the definition of abnormality fail to distinguish between?

  Desirability and undesirability
• Why might depression not be considered an abnormal state?

  It is common among many people
• What does the lack of universal statistical norms imply?

  They differ between cultures and societies
• What are Jahoda's characteristics for ideal mental health?

  • Positive attitude towards oneself
  • Resistance to stress
  • Accurate perception of reality
  • Self-actualisation
  • Autonomy
  • Environmental mastery
• What is a criticism of Jahoda's definition of ideal mental health?

  It is very demanding and subjective
• weakness of deviation from ideal mental health?

  It is culturally biased as it favours Western ideals over collectivist cultures
• What is a weakness of deviation from ideal mental health as a definition for abnormality?

  It is unclear how many characteristics must be lacking to be considered deviated
• What does deviation from statistical norms define as abnormality?

  Statistically rare or infrequent behaviors
• strength of the deviation from statistical norms definition

  It deals with quantitative data which is objective
• What does Failure to Function Adequately (FFA) define as abnormal behavior?

  Inability to cope with everyday life demands
• What is a sign of disorder according to FFA?

  Failure to perform necessary day-to-day behaviors
• What are some behaviors that indicate failure to function adequately?

  Self-care, job maintenance, meaningful interaction
• Why do individuals who fail to function adequately often seek professional help?

  They experience distress or discomfort
• What is a general sign of disorder according to FFA?

  Failure to function adequately
• Who suggested characteristics defining failure to function adequately?

  Rosenhan & Seligman (1989)
• What are the characteristics that define failure to function adequately according to Rosenhan & Seligman?

  • Personal suffering
  • Maladaptiveness
  • Vividness & unconventionality
  • Unpredictability & loss of control
  • Irrationality/incomprehensibility
  • Causes observer discomfort
  • Violates moral/social standards
• What did the DSM IV include regarding functioning assessment?

  A ‘Global Assessment of Functioning’ axis
• Why was the Global Assessment of Functioning omitted from DSM V?

  It was seen as subjective
• What assessment tool does DSM V use instead of the Global Assessment of Functioning?

  World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0)
• What is a limitation of the FFA definition regarding behavior?

  Abnormal behavior may be functional for individuals
• How might hand-washing in obsessive-compulsive disorder be viewed?

  As a functional behavior for coping
• Why is context important in evaluating FFA?

  What seems irrational may be rational in context
• How does personal distress relate to the death of a loved one?

  Distress is a normal reaction in such situations
• What happens if distress continues long after a loss?

  It may be considered abnormal behavior
• What is a characteristic of anti-social personality disorder?

  Involves crime without guilt or remorse
• How can psychological states affect others?

  They may not distress the individual but distress others
• What is a cultural issue related to FFA?

  What is adequate varies between cultures
• How does economic or social conditions relate to FFA?

  FFA may result from these conditions
• What does the deviation from social norms definition classify as abnormal?

  Behavior that goes against societal norms
• How is abnormal behavior viewed under the deviation from social norms definition?

  As violating expected behavior rules
• What might incomprehensible behavior cause in others?

  Feelings of threat or discomfort
• How do social behaviors vary?

  They vary significantly between cultures
• What is a limitation of the social norms definition of abnormality?

  Social norms change over time
• How was homosexuality viewed by the WHO until 1980?

  As a psychological disorder