Definitions of Abnormalty

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A level Psychology (Psychopathology) Flashcards on Definitions of Abnormalty, created by Chanelle Titchener on 05/12/2018.
Chanelle Titchener
Flashcards by Chanelle Titchener, updated more than 1 year ago
Chanelle Titchener
Created by Chanelle Titchener over 6 years ago
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Question Answer
Statistical Infrequency - Research methods (Descriptive statistics) - If we can define what is common we then have an idea of what is uncommon, or "abnormal" - EG: fear of dogs - we'd expect people to range from 4 - 7 (central cluster) - There would be fewer ratings either side (therefore are 'abnormal)
Evaluation Some abnormal behaviour is desirable > Very few people have an IQ over 150, but 'abnormal' behaviours are said to be undesirable and we do not want this > Depression is relatively common but is not desirable
Evaluation Cut-off point is subjectively determined > Where does normality end and abnormality begin? > Who decides this? > Difficulty sleeping is a symptom of depression: is it abnormal to sleep a few hours less than 80-90% of the population?
Deviation from Social Norms - In a society, there are standards that should be met by each individual - Politeness is a social norm - people who are impolite are considered deviants of the social norm - Some rules about behaviour are implicit and some are governed by laws
Evaluation Susceptible to abuse > What is socially acceptable now may not have been 50 years ago -eg: homosexuality > If we define abnormality in terms of deviation, we open the door to definitions based on prevailing social morals and attitudes
Evaluation Strengths > This definition distinguishes between desirable and undesirable behaviour > This feature is absent from S. I > Also takes into account the effect the behaviour has on other people
Failure to Function Adequately - The abnormality may be judged by an individual's inability to cope with everyday life - eg: eating regularly - Causes distress and suffering for the individual and to others - An individual may not be coping with life 'normally' - no distress = judgment of abnormality is inappropriate
Evaluation Who judges? > Someone needs to decide if this is the case: it may be the patient who decides that their behaviour is undesirable > An individual may not realise they cannot cope = may cause distress to others and they judge the behaviour to be abnormal
Evaluation Strengths > Recognises the subjective experience of the patient, allowing us to view mental disorder from the perspective of the patient > Easy to judge objectively as we can categorise behaviour and judge abnormality and if treatment is needed
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health - Jahoda (1958) = the absence of signs of physical health - Self-attitude = high self-esteem - Personal growth - Integration = ability to cope with stress - Autonomy = independence - Accurate perception of reality and mastery of the environment
Evaluation Unrealistic criteria > According to the criteria most of us are abnormal > "Ideal" Criteria > The criteria are difficult to measure
Evaluation A positive approach > Offers an alternative to mental disorders by focusing on the positives rather than the negatives and focuses on what is desirable rather than undesirable > May not have been used by professionals but may have had an influence on positive psychology (Humanism)
Definitions of Abnormality - Cultural Relativism - > Defining abnormality changes from culture to culture > Classification systems (DSM) are mostly bound to the most dominant culture (white/western) > Criterion are culture bound and each culture has its own opinion on mental disorders
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