Abnormality

When an individual has a less common characteristic.

Anything observed relatively frequently would be considered normal and anything that is different to that would be comsidered abnormal.

Example: IQ and intellectual disability disorder

Normal distribution - the majority of people's scores lie close to the average, and the further away from that average, the fewer people obtain that score.

Average IQ is 100 and most people's is 85 -115.  The 2% of people scoring below 70 are considered abnormal and are diagnosed with intellectual disability disorder.

P = Real-life application

E = Intellectual disability disorder is successfully diagnosed using this method

E = All assessment of patients with mental disorders includes comparisons to statistical norms

L = Statistical infrequency is a very useful part of clinical assessment.

P = Unusual characteristics can be positive

E = IQ scores over 130 are very unusual but are not considered undesirable or worth treatment.

E = Using statistical deviation alone could result in very capable people getting treatment

L = Cannot be used alone to diagnose abnormality

P = Not everyone benefits from a label

E = Someone with a low IQ who was not distressed and very capable of working wouldn't need to be diagnosed with an intellectual disability

E = Labelling people as abnormal can have a negative effect on how people are seen by themselves and others

L = Easy to overdiagnose using this

Behaviour that's different from the accepted standards in society.

Society makes a collective judgement about what they think is right and anything that doesn't follow that is abnormal.

Based on written or unwritten rules.

Example: Antisocial personality disorder

Also known as psychopathy.

Failure to conform to 'lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour', e.g lack of empathy.

P = Not a sole explanation of abnormality

E = APD shows there's a place for deviation from social norms in defining what's abnormal

E = There are other factors to consider e.g distress caused to others

L = Cannot be used alone to define abnormality

P = Social norms are culturally relative

E = Hearing voices is socially acceptable in some cultures, but abnormal in ours.

E = People may label someone as abnormal even though it is normal to their culture

L = Difficult to differentiate what is normal/abnormal to everybody

P = Can lead to human rights abuse

E = Drapetomania was a condition made up for black slaves trying to escape to establish social control.

E = It takes away people's rights by allowing other's to make claims that they are abnormal

L = It removes people's right to be different 

When someone is unable to cope with demands of everyday life

• Don't conform to interpersonal rules
• Experiencing severe personal distress
• Irrational or dangerous behaviour

Example: Intellectual disability disorder

Having a low IQ (statistical deviation)

Unable to function adaquately e.g can't work, distressed, etc.

P = Recognises patient perspective

E = Acknowledges the experience of the patient and/or others is important

E = Patient can say if they feel distressed or are unable to carry out basic everyday activities

L = Abnormality can be assessed more correctly and easily.

P = Same as deviation from social norms

E = People who live alternative lifestyles or do extreme sports are behaving irrationally.

E = Not failing to function, just deviating from social norms

L = Limits people's freedom by claiming 'failure to function'

P = Subjective judgement

E = Patients may say they're distressed but they are not actually suffering

E = It is very difficult to make a judgement as to whether someone's distress stops them functioning adaquately

L = Difficult to select who is abnormal and who is not

Someone who does not meet Jahoda's criteria for ideal mental health.

Focuses on what is normal and healthy and anyone who deviates from that is abnormal.

Criteria:

• No symtoms of distress
• Rational and accurate perception of self
• Self-actualise
• Can cope with stress
• Realistic view of world
• Good self-esteem
• Independence
• Work successfully, enjoy leisure

P = Comprehensive

E = A very broad range of mental health criteria are considered. 

E = Covers most of the reasons why someone would consult mental health services

L = Make's identifying a mental health problem much easier 

P = Culturally relative

E = Emphasis on self-actualisation would be considered self indulgent in other cultures where the focus is community

E = Specific to Western European and North American (individualist) cultures only

L = Can't be applied to anyone of another culture

P = Unrealistcally high standard

E = Very few people can reach their full potential in life which is part of the criteria

E = The majority of people would be considered as abnormal

L = Not clear who would benefit from treatment