AS AQA PSYA2 Psychology- Abnormality definitions

Rules as to how we should behave are implicit or explicit. People who violate these rules/social norms are seen as abnormal.  For example, schizophrenics often show inapropiate emotions, e.g. cry at a joke or laugh at a funeral.  It is when an individual has certain behaviours which are at a distance from good mental health, but deviate from social norms. 

An inability to do everyday activities. Only need help if it is dysfunctional- e.g. hold a job or relationship. Use of the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) where 100 is superior functioning over a range of activities, and 10 and under, is danger to themself or others, or an inability to maintain minimal personal hygiene, or suicidal. 

Looks at positives rather than negatives. The fewer criteria for ideal mental health an individual meets, the more likely they are to develop a mental disorder. Jahoda identified 6 of these criteria Positive attidtude to oneself- Viewing yourself realistically and objectively, eith respect anf confidence Self-Actualisation- Having an fulfilling goals Resistance to stress- ability to cope and tolerate stressful situations  with coping stratgeies they know will help them Personal autonomy- The ability to make decisions that are right for ourselves Accurate perception of reality- Seeing the world realistically, rather than through rose tinted glasses. Adapting to an mastering the environment- Being competent in all areas of life, and being able to adapt to changes easily. 

See limitations of the previous definitions in seperate resource