Definitions Of Abnormality

?
What is abnormality?
When something isn't normal, and those behaviours are rare.
1 of 14
What are the 4 definitions of abnormality?
Statistical Infrequency, Deviation from social norms, Failure to function adequately, Deviation from ideal mental health
2 of 14
What is statistical infrequency?
thinking or behavior is classified as abnormal if it is rare or statistically unusual.
3 of 14
Examples:
Age to have first baby/Average shoe size of a 10 year old/Asking a class how fearful they are of dogs, on a scale of 1-10
4 of 14
EVALUATION: Some abnormal behaviour is desireable
Having IQ of over 150 is seen as desireable, yet it is also abnormal
5 of 14
Deviation from social norms
This violates the rules of so called 'normal' behaviour
6 of 14
Examples:
Homosexuality used to be seen as a mental disorder, it would have been deviating from what is 'normal if you were gay
7 of 14
EVALUATION: Susceptible to abuse
It varies as times change, for example gay is now socially allowed. How can you say something is abnormal if it may not be in 50 years time?
8 of 14
Failure to function adequately
It is a sign of abnormality if they cannot go about 'normal' daily routines for whatever reasons
9 of 14
Examples:
Eating regularly, washing clothes, going to work
10 of 14
EVALUATION: Who judges who is abnormal?
Either the patient or a carer has to observe that someone cannot function normally, and it may not be recognised for a very long time
11 of 14
Deviation from ideal mental health
When you are not happy about your life and do not portray a PMA. This could show a potential mental disorder
12 of 14
Examples:
High self-esteem, strong personal growth, independent, ability to love
13 of 14
EVALUATION: Unrealistic criteria
According to these characteristics of being mentally well, most of us our abnormal in some way shape or form.
14 of 14

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What are the 4 definitions of abnormality?

Back

Statistical Infrequency, Deviation from social norms, Failure to function adequately, Deviation from ideal mental health

Card 3

Front

What is statistical infrequency?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Examples:

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

EVALUATION: Some abnormal behaviour is desireable

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Psychology resources:

See all Psychology resources »See all Abnormality resources »