![]() |
Created by Chanelle Titchener
over 6 years ago
|
|
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 |
There are no comments, be the first and leave one below:
Want to create your own Flashcards for free with GoConqr? Learn more.