Definitions of abnormality
- Created by: Maddie
- Created on: 19-02-13 09:00
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- Definitions of abnormality
- Deviation from social norms
- Every society has commonly accepted standards of behavior. Sometimes these are written, laws or some are unwritten but generally accepted, standing in queues.
- One way to define abnormality is too consider deviations from social norms as an indication of abnormality.
- Behavior that deviates from social norm is not necessarily a sign of abnormality. It could be eccentricity.
- Social norms vary over time - homosexuality.
- Cultural relativity
- Failure to function adequatley
- Focuses on everyday behavior of an individual.
- We get up get dressed, support a family and go to work. When someone deviates from this normal pattern of behavior we say they are failing to function adequately.
- The behavior depends on the context. For example hunger strikes.
- May not be linked to a psychological disorder. Holding down a job may be hard for an immigrant.
- Deviation from ideal mental health
- This attempts to define an ideal state of health.
- An individual should be in touch with their own feeling, resistant to stress, focused on the future and should show empathy.
- These guidelines were written in Western societies so there is a cultural aspect.
- Very few people fit the guidelines exactly.
- This attempts to define an ideal state of health.
- Deviation from social norms
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