Definitions of abnormality
- Created by: h8revising
- Created on: 11-03-21 08:55
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- Definitions of abnormality
- Statistical infrequency
- Presented on a normal distribution graph using standard deviation
- Objective - clear sections in diagnosis of certain disorders
- Eg. measuring IQ
- Can be positive - getting a job may be easier with a higher than average IQ
- Not everyone benefits with a label - those with a lower IQ may find getting a job diffoicult
- Presented on a normal distribution graph using standard deviation
- Deviation from social norms
- Behaviour different from how we expect people to behave in society
- Cultural relativism - social norms vary greatly between culture, generations and communities (eg. schizophrenia diagnosis comparing white men to Afro-Caribbean men)
- Eg. psychopathy - don't conform to society's moral standards
- Real life application in diagnosis
- However, other definitions can be used (like failure to function adequately)
- Real life application in diagnosis
- Behaviour different from how we expect people to behave in society
- Failure to function adequately
- Rosenham and Seligman's (1989) signs that someone isn't coping
- When person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules (eg. personal space)
- When person experiences severe personal distress
- Person's behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or others
- Attempts to include the subjective experience of individual
- Deviation from social norms or not functioning? Eg. extreme sports could be seen as maladaptive
- Subjective - people may seem they aren't struggling but say they are
- Rosenham and Seligman's (1989) signs that someone isn't coping
- Deviation from ideal mental health
- Jahoda's critreria
- No symptoms or distress
- Rational and can perceive self acccurately
- Can self-actualise
- Cope with stress
- A realistic view of the world
- Good self esteem and lack guilt
- Independent of others
- Can successfully work, love and enjoy leisure
- Broad criteria focuses on the positive
- Unrealistically high standard for mental health - not possible to keep them all up at the same time
- Cultural relativism - more catered for individualist culture than collectivist cultures (self-actualising and independence)
- Jahoda's critreria
- Statistical infrequency
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