Psychopathology -Definitions of abnormality

Created by: laurennbromley
Created on: 28-01-18 13:34

Statistical infrequency

The number of times we can observe a certain behaviour. This definition is effective when we deal with characteristics that can be reliably measured. Eg. IQ - majority cluster around the average however there are some lower, some higher.

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Deviation from social norms

When a person behaves in a way that deviates from what accept as the norm within society. Social norms are specific to the cultures we live in. Eg. Antisocial personality disorder.

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Failure to function adequately

When someone is unable to cope with everyday life. Someone is failing to function when - they no longer conform to interpersonal rules, they experience severe personal distress, their behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or others.

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Deviation from ideal mental health

Jahoda claimed good mental health = no symptoms or distress, rational and can perceive ourselves accurately, self-actualise, cope with stress, realistic view of the world, independent of others, work successfully and love and enjoy our leisure.

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Statistical infrequency - evaluation

For - real-life application - application in diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder which means there's a place for this definition. Against - Unusual characterisitcs such as high IQ can be classed as a good thing.

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Deviation from social norms - evaluation

For - This definition takes into account the desirability of a behaviour whereas definitions such as statistical infrequency doesn't.

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Deviation from social norms - evaluation (cont.)

Against - cultural relavitism - social norms can largely vary across different cultures which means that a behaviour one culture may class as abnormal eg hearing voices, may not be classed as so in another.

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Failure to function adequately - evaluation

For - Patient's perspective - this definition attempts to account for the individual's subjective experience.

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Failure to function adequately - evaluation (cont.)

Against - deviation from social norms - some characteristics of failing to function may cross over with deviation from social norms eg. new age travellers don't hold down a job however their 'maladaptive' behaviour actually depends on cultural view.

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When a person behaves in a way that deviates from what accept as the norm within society. Social norms are specific to the cultures we live in. Eg. Antisocial personality disorder.

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Deviation from social norms

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Psychopathology -Definitions of abnormality