Individual Differences - Definitions of Abnormality and evaluation points

?
  • Created by: Matt H
  • Created on: 20-10-12 14:29
Failure to function adequately - definition
•Are they able to live a normal life? •A person is abnormal when they can't cope with everyday tasks. •Rosenhan & Seligman (1989)
1 of 9
Failure to function adequately - positive evaluation points
+ Looks at individual's life, doesn't compare with others. + Gives a clear definition of abnormality. + Considers well-being and social norms together.
2 of 9
Failure to function adequately - negative evaluation points
- Possibly dependant on peer or self diagnosis. - Certain illnesses may appear as traits. - Adequacy is not quantitative so is immeasurable.
3 of 9
Deviation from ideal mental health - definition
Mary Jahoda (1958) suggested we're abnormal if we fail to meet the criteria for good mental health: •Healthy self-attitudes •Personal growth •Ability to cope with stress •Independance •Accurate perception of reality •Environmental Mastery
4 of 9
Deviation from ideal mental health - positive evaluation points
+ Provides a clear criteria for ideal mental health which covers all aspects of life
5 of 9
Deviation from ideal mental health - negative evaluation points
- Most of us won't meet all the criteria so are we all abnormal, or how many of these must we not meet to be considered abnormal (realistically)? - Are mental and physical health the same? - Cultural differences
6 of 9
Deviation from social norms - definition
An individual may be considered abnormal if their behaviour counters what society considers to be normal.
7 of 9
Deviation from social norms - positive evaluation points
+ Most obvious way to determine abnormality as we are constantly comparing ourselves to others.
8 of 9
Deviation from social norms - negative evaluation points
- Waits for a consequence before diagnosis. - Only focusses on extreme cases as it compares to other people. - Ignores 'harmless' behaviour. - Different ideas about social norms, i.e. cultural differences.
9 of 9

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

+ Looks at individual's life, doesn't compare with others. + Gives a clear definition of abnormality. + Considers well-being and social norms together.

Back

Failure to function adequately - positive evaluation points

Card 3

Front

- Possibly dependant on peer or self diagnosis. - Certain illnesses may appear as traits. - Adequacy is not quantitative so is immeasurable.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Mary Jahoda (1958) suggested we're abnormal if we fail to meet the criteria for good mental health: •Healthy self-attitudes •Personal growth •Ability to cope with stress •Independance •Accurate perception of reality •Environmental Mastery

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

+ Provides a clear criteria for ideal mental health which covers all aspects of life

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Psychology resources:

See all Psychology resources »See all Abnormality resources »