Psychology

• What is social norms? 


  they are a set of unwritten rules to follow.
• Define abnormal behaviour

  One way to define abnormal behaviour, is to see if it goes against the societal norms. the definition has a clear line between desirable and undesirable behaviours. It labels those individuals with undesirable behaviours as socially deviant.
• How is social norms specific to culture and varies across generations and cultures? 


  Homosexuality was deemed abnormal in UK culture in the past but it accepted today and homosexuality is a crime. However it is still seemingly abnormal and illegal in some cultures globally.
• What are some strengths of 'Deviation from social norms'? (3-D-S-PS)

  • developmental norms- This definition allows for developmental norms. E.g. it may be normal for a one year old to be carried everywhere by its parent , however it would be abnormal if it was a 50 year old.
  • social dimension- this definition gives a social dimension to the idea of abnormality.
  • protects society- this definition looks at an individuals abnornmal behaviour and seeks to protect it from society
• What are the other 2 strengths of 'Deviation from social norms'? (2-DNA-HP)

  • Distinguishes between normal and abnormal- has a clear definition of what is considered normal and abnormal as most of us understand and are aware of social norms in our own culture
  • helps people- definition allows society to get involved in individuals abnormal behaviour and help them, when they may not be able to seek or identify the help they need.
• What are the 4 limitations for deviation from social norms?

  Changes over time

  Ethnocentric

  Cultural diferences

  Individualism
• Explain the limitation 'changes over time'

  • This definition does not explain abnormality changing over time
  • Homosexuality was not removed from the ICD until the 1990s
• Explain the limitation 'ethnocentric'

  • This definition is based on western societal norms and reflects the majority, which is a white population
  • Cochrane (1977) found that in Britain, black people were more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia than white people, however, this was not in countries with a majority black population, such as Jamaica, which suggests there is a diagnostic bias
• What is 'failure to function adequately? 


  States individuals are abnormal when they are unable to cope with everyday life and this is evident in their behaviour.
• What is Rosenhan and seligman suggest about personal dysfunction?


  Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest that personal dysfunction has seven features and the more features an individual has, the more they are classed as abnormal
• Rosenhan and Seligman's Features of Personal Dysfunction


  • Personal Distress
  • Maladaptive Behaviour
  • Unpredictability
  • Irrationality
  • Observer Discomfort
  • Violations of Moral Standards
  • Unconventionality
• Personal Distress


  Displaying behaviour which causes person stress to the sufferer e.g. not being able to hold down a job and so having a limited income
• Maladaptive Behaviour


  Displaying behaviour stopping individuals from attaining life goals both socially and occupationally
• Unpredictability


  Displaying unexpected behaviours characterised by loss of control e.g. quitting a course after one bad mark in a test
• Irrationality


  Displaying behaviour that cannot be explained rationally
• Observer Discomfort


  Displaying behaviour causes discomfort to observers e.g not keeping good hygiene so it is unpleasant to be around that person
• Violations of Moral Standards


  Displaying behaviour violating social norms e.g. loudly talking to oneself, loudly in the street
• Unconventionality


  Displaying unconventional behaviours
• What are the strengths to using failure to function adequately

  Observable behaviour

  Checklist

  Personal perspective

  Represents a threshold for help
• Checklist

  • This definition provides individuals with a practical checklist to check their behaviour 
• Personal perspective

  • This definition allows the individual to have their own perspective of the mental disorder by recognising the personal experience of those suffering
• Represents a threshold for help

  • This definition provides a clear criteria for when individuals need professional help
• What are the 3 limitations for failure to function adequately.


  Discrimination

  Abnormality is normal

  Abnormality and dysfunction do not always go together
• Discrimination

  • This definition labels individuals who make unusual life choices, E.g. those who complete unusual spiritual activities or base jumpers, as abnormal
  • This definition also discriminates against those cultures who make different life choices, E.g. Travellers, who may not live at a permanent address and choose not to work
• Abnormality is normal

  • This definition does not consider when it is normal to behave abnormally, for example at the loss of a loved one, through a divorce, taking exams
• Abnormality and dysfunction do not always go together

  • This definition does not explain people with dangerous personality disorders, such as psychopaths, who can appear normal, E.g. Harold Shipman a respected doctor who murdered over 200 patients but was seen as a respectable doctor
• what is deviation from ideal mental health


  this definition assesses mental health in the same way physical health is assessed. once it is established how individuals should look when psychologically healthy (ideal mental health), then those who deviate from this can be identified.
• What 6 characteristics should an individual display if they have an ideal of mental health that Marie Jahoda suggested.

  • Positive attitudes towards one's self 
  • Self actualisation
  • Autonomy
  • Integration
  • Accurate perception  
  • Environment mastery 
• Positive attitudes towards one's self

  High levels of self-esteem and a strong sense of identity

  Knowing where you fit in the world
• Self Actualisation

  Personal growth and development

  Developing yourself and achieving the goals you set yourself in life

  E.g. Completing your exams to the best of your ability, buying a house, or getting your dream job
• Autonomy

  Autonomy and ability to act independently from others, self-regulation

  Being able to work on your own and work out problems that may arise

  If you were left on your own, you would be okay and would be able to work things out for yoursel
• Integration

  Resisting stress and being able to cope in stressful situations

  Although we all face stressful situations, most should have the ability to accept and deal with them

  Coping with tight deadlines, celebrations, and moving house
• Accurate perception of reality 

  Having a realistic view of the world and not a distorted view

  Understanding how the world works

  E.g. If you were to be unsuccessful at a job interview, you could see that it may be that the other candidate was a better fit for the job and it is not about you as a person