Abnormality

ABNORMALITY
AQA PSYCHOLOGY A UNIT 2…read more

DEFINITIONS OF
ABNORMALITY…read more

Deviation from Social Norms
(DSN)
All societies have commonly accepted social
standards of behaviour.
Sometimes these are laws, other times they
are unwritten but socially accepted.
Eg: in the UK we queue.
Social norms allow for the regulation of
normal social behaviour.…read more

DSN Evaluation
Behaviour that deviates from social norms is not always a
sign of psychopathy.
· Context of behaviour must be taken into account.
· No distinction between your quirky, eccentric behaviour and rare,
psychologically abnormal behaviour.
· No definite cut off where normal becomes abnormal behaviour.
Social norms change over time.
· Homosexuality used to be classed as a psychiatric disorder.
Cultural Relativity.
· Social norms are specific to particular cultures/societies.…read more

Failure to Function Adequately
(FFA)
This definition allows abnormal behaviour as long
as it doesn't interfere with normal life.
Characteristics of abnormal behaviour:
observer discomfort
personal distress
irrationality
unpredictability
maladaptive/dysfunctional behaviour…read more

FFA Evaluation
Failing to function
adequately may be
Cultures & Situations not be due to
psychological
disorders.
Psychological
disorders may not
stop people from
functioning
adequately.…read more