What makes someone abnormal according to statistical infrequency?
On a normal distribution curve, they are on the bottom 2.5% or on the top 2.5%
Strengths of statistical infrequency as an explanation of abnormality:
allows for an objective, value-free assessment of mental disability
Weaknesses of statistical infrequency as an explanation of abnormality
not all infrequent behaviours are abnormal (eg. if someone has an obnromal BMI, that doesn't mean that they have an eating disorder)
What are social norms?
unwritten rules in society for what is seen sa acceptable behaviour
What is meant by deviation from social norms?
any behaviour which does not follow the unwritten rules of society
this defintion draws a line between socially desirable & undesirable behaviour
those who do not follow social norms are labelled as abnormal
What are examples of antisocial personality disorder?
impulsive/selfish/aggressive behaviour
general failure to conform to lawful or culturally ethical behaviours
What is a strength of deviation from social norms as an explanation of abnormality?
beneficial for society - as adhering to social norms can be argued to be hepful to ensure society stays ordered and predictable
What are 3 weaknesses of deviation from social norms as an explanation of abnormality? Explain why.
Cultural validity - this definition is not generalisable across the world as different cultures have different defintions of social norms, so will also have different definitions of abnormality
Temporal validity - social norms change over time, which makes it hard to define abnormality
What is meant by 'failure to function adequately' as an explanation of abnormality?
individuals cannot cope with everyday life
What are examples of 'functioning adequately' in everyday life?
eating reguarly
washing clothes
socialising with others
If a person cannot do normal everyday tasks and is also experiencing distress, it is considered a sign of abnormality.
What is used to assess the degree of dysfunctionality in a person?
Rosenhan & Seligman's seven features of abnormality
What is an mental condition where someone often experiences the 7 features of abnormality?
schizophrenia - the individual can have disturbing hallucinations which can lead to bizarre behaviour, can also be irrational & unpredictable
What is a strength of 'failure to function adequately' as an explanation of abnormality?
takes into consideration the experiences of the patient so an assessment can be made from the point of view of the person experiencing the symptoms
What are 3 limitations of 'failure to function adequately' as a explanation of abnormality?
abnormality is not always accompanied by dysfunction
there is a problem with determining who has the right to define behaviour as dysfunctional
cultural relativism = explains higher incidences of mental illness in sub-cultures because extra stress or pressures are more associated with moving cultures, racism or prejudice