Definitions of Abnormality

what are the 4 ways to see abnormality?
(just state not explain)

.deviation from social norms
.failure to function adequately
.statistical infrequency
.deviation from ideal mental health

1 of 15

what is deviation from social norms?

an unwritten rule about what us acceptable in society, if these rules are violated then a person is seen as abnormal.

2 of 15

name the evaluations of this

-cultural relativism- one 'normal' could be 'abnormal' in another country so no global standard for defining behaviour
-social norms change over time/hindsight bias- retrospective data

3 of 15

continuing w previous card

-fails to give a complete explanation of it regarding context and the degree of behaviour. it can be seen as normal once but abnormal another ie walking ******* on a beach and in the office

4 of 15

what is failure to function adequately

when someone is considered as abnormal if they can't cope with demands of everyday life and shows personal suffering/distress towards themselves and friends/family.

5 of 15

name the evaluations of this

-individual differences ie person with OCD may be late to work due to regular hand washing but someone else w OCD may not be late due to waking up earlier
+considers personal experiences by speaking to them-

6 of 15

continuing w previous card

-and gets to understand feelings rather then making a simple judgement
-there is often confusion between FFA and DFSN ie DFSN not going to work FFA can't go to work so maladaptive behaviour, also labelling them 'failing' is bad

7 of 15

what it is statistical infrequency?

when a behaviour is seen as abnormal if its uncommon (statistically) by looking at the distribution of a behaviour in society.

8 of 15

name the evaluations of this

-misdiagnosis ie approx 10% of population will experience depression making the behaviour 'normal'
-labelling individuals as 'abnormal' can be unhelpful as it is discriminating, high distress

9 of 15

continuing w previous card

-some abnormal behaviours could be desirable ie having a high IQ so there needs to be research for what is desirable and infrequent to avoid pitfall

10 of 15

what's deviation form ideal mental health and who mentioned it?

Jahoda defined DFMH as abnormal behaviour being the absence if particular characteristics that deviate from ideal mental health.

11 of 15

what are the 6 principles she came up with?

.positive view of yourself/ high self esteem
.capable of personal growth/self-actualisation
.being independent (autonomous)/self-regulating
.having an accurate view of reality
.able to resist stress and integrate
.able to master environment ie work, fr

12 of 15

name the evaluations of this

-unrealistic criteria- times everyone will experience stress ie grieving death of a loved one
+positive and holistic stance focusing on positive/desirable behaviours that considers the whole person

13 of 15

continuing w previous card

-cultural relativism- ideal mental health western ideas, other countries w. collectivist cultures might find it self-centred

14 of 15

name the EXT evaluations?

-nomothetic approach (listing factors to diagnose abnormal behaviours)
-Ethnocentricity- esp with Jahoda's criteria

15 of 15

Get Revising

Definitions of Abnormality

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Back

Card 3

Front

Back

Card 4

Front

Back

Card 5

Front

Back

Comments

Similar Psychology resources:

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Back

Card 3

Front

Back

Card 4

Front

Back

Card 5

Front

Back

Comments

Related discussions on The Student Room

Similar Psychology resources: