Defintions of Abnormality

• What are the 4 definitions of Abnormality?

  Statistical infrequency

  
  

  Deviation from social norms

  
  

  Failure to function adequately

  
  

  Deviation from ideal mental health
• What is meant by Psychopathology?

  the scientific study of mental disorders ​
• Statistical Infrequency

  when an individual has a less common characteristic.

  
  

  This is a mathematical method for defining abnormality. This definition works on the idea that abnormality should be based on infrequency; if it occurs rarely then it is abnormal.​
• What is an example of statistical infrequency?

  IQ

  Average IQ is 100: 68% of people have this score

  
  

  Individuals that score below 70 are classed as very 'abnormal' and are liable to receive a diagnosis of psychological disorder- Intellectual disability disorder (IDD)​
• Deviation from social norms

  behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society , making it abnormal
• What is an example of deviation from social norms?

  homosexuality was considered abnormal in our culture in the past and continues to be viewed as abnormal even illegal in some cultures ​
• How do we consider whether a behaviour has violated a social norm? ​

  - culture

  - context and situation

  - historical context

  - age and gender
• What is necessary to consider when talking about deviation from social norms?

  The degree to which a norm is violated,​

  
  

  The importance of that norm,​

  
  

  The value attached by the social group to different sorts of violations, e.g., is the violation rude, eccentric, abnormal, or criminal?​

  
  

  ​
• Failure to function adequately

  occurs when someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of day to day living.​
• What are examples of failure to function adequately?

  They may be unable to perform the behaviours necessary for day-to-day living, e.g., self-care, holding down a job, interacting meaningfully with others, making themselves understood, etc.​
• Rosenhan & Seligman (1989) criteria for FTFA

  - Suffering

  
  

  - Maladaptiveness

  
  

  - Unpredictability and loss of control

  
  

  - Irrationality /incomprehensibility

  
  

  - Causing observer discomfort
• Deviation from ideal mental health

  Occurs when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health.​

  
  

  A different way to look at abnormality is to ignore who is abnormal but rather taking a look at what we consider normal.​
• What is Jahoda's (1958) criteria?

  - Positive attitude towards the self

  
  

  - Self actualisation

  
  

  - Personal autonomy

  
  

  - Resistance to stress

  
  

  - Environmental mastery

  
  

  - Accurate perception of reality
• Explanations for disorders

  Phobias = Behaviourist

  OCD = Biological

  Depression = Cognitive