Definitions of abnormality

• What are the four definitions of abnormality

  Statistical infrequency, deviation of ideal mental health, deviation of social norms and failure to function adequately.
• what is statistical infrequency

  It is defined as the idea that if it is statistically unusual then it is classed as abnormal.
• What is statistical infrequency all to do with

  any form of statistics defining abnormality
• what is a strength of statistical infrequency

  P= objective

  E= as its based on whats statistically infrequent and frequent

  E=it looks at stats alone and no Opinions

  L= therefore high scientific credibility
• what’s a weakness of statistical infrequency

  p=unusual characteristics CAN be positive

  e=having a really high IQ of 130 is just as unusual as having a really low IQ of 70

  l=therefore, its problematic because having a high IQ can be desirable and not all abnormalities are diseases and require treatment
• what is deviation to social norms

  a person is abnormal if they decide to go against social norms
• what are explicit rules/ social norms

  people who violate implicit rules are DEVIANT
• what are explicit rules / social norms

  people who violate explicit rules are criminal
• what is a weakness of deviation of social norms

  p=cultural realism

  e=there’s variability between social norms on different cultures

  e= a person from 1 cultural group may label a person from another as a normal using their standards

  l=so its difficult to judge deviation from social norms across different cultures therefore lacking generalisability
• What’s a strength of deviation from social norms

  p=real world application

  E= judges behaviour based on how socially acceptable / unacceptable

  E= high IQ = statistically rare but not abnormal under this definition

  L=provides a more useful way of defining abnormality as it focuses on social acceptability not rarity
• what is failure to function adequately

  this is defined as being unable to cope with every day demands of life.
• what’s an example of failure to function adequately

  self care
• who created the several features indicating a person failing to function

  rosenhan and seligman
• what are the 4 features

  1. experiencing severe personal distress
  2. maladaptive behaviour
  3. irrational behaviour in that it cannot be explained in a logical way and causes others to feel discomfort
  4. when behaviours don't adhere to standard interpersonal expectations (e.g maintaining eye contact)
• where is the criteria found

  in the DSM-5 (set of guidelines for diagnosis)
• what is a weakness of failure to function

  p= quite normal to show some of these behaviours to a certain point

  e= e.g personal distress, this doesn’t make them abnormal or mentally ill though.

  e= if you were to show no sign of pain following a death of a loved one , this could also be argued a sign of abnormality in itself.

  l= might end up wrongly labelling someone abnormal because of this definition.
• what is a strength of failure to function adequately

  p= it can help individuals to recognise that they need professional help

  e=mental health Problems are occurring more frequently with the mind charity, estimating 25% of us in the UK experience mental health problems early.

  e= suggesting that they can seek professional help earlier to receive a diagnosis.

  l= therefore highlighting the usefulness of this definition
• what is deviation from ideal mental health

  a positive view of looking at what’s normal instead of anyone that deviates from what is considered psychologically healthy to be considered abnormal as a result
• who created the 6 criteria for ideal mental health

  Marie jahoda in 1958
• what is the 6 criteria

  1. positive self attitude
  2. resistance to stress
  3. accurate perception of reality
  4. individual autonomy
  5. self actualisation
  6. environmental mastery
• if you dont have all 6 what is there a possibility of

  diagnosis
• what is a weakness of deviation from ideal mental health

  p= can’t fufill all 6 criterias at once every day for the rest of your life so is far too optimistic.

  e= stressful situations can become very overwhelming for a short period time but then overcome soon after.

  l= therefore its a limitation due to making majority of population abnormal which seems unlikely. making it un generalisable.
• what is a strength of deviation from ideal mental health

  P=Takes a positive view of defining mental health

  E=Statistically infrequency, deviation from social norms and failure to function all take negative views on behaviour.

  E=Marie lists what’s desirable first before diagnosing.

  L= mental health treatments can be tailored around what’s missing fro that list therefor highlighting the value of this definition