Psychopathology Definitions of Abnormality

Created by: Ms Rachel Honeyford
Created on: 16-06-20 10:10

What does 'Statistical Infrequency' Mean?

Behaviour which is unusual, therefore not seen very often is regarded as abnormal. EG there are not many people with an irrational fear of cotton wool, therefore it is abnormal.

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What does 'Deviation from social norms' mean?

Behaviour which is different from the rest of society is seen as abnormal. These 'social norms' will vary between cultures. It is where behaviour is different from our expectations.

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What does 'Failure to Function Adequantely' mean?

When someone isn't acting in a way that's helpful to themselves or others. EG they may not be eating sensibly, or may not be able to hold down a job/interact with others.

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What does 'deviation from ideal mental health' mean?

When someone does not have a good quality of life due to personal distress, or fear. They may have poor self-worth, and they are not able to reach their potential.

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What are some evaluation points for statistical infrequency

Just because something is infrequent, doesn't mean it is negative/abnormal. EG some people have very high IQ, and they are gifted rather than 'abnormal'. It gives a definite cut off point, which can be helpful, eg a line on a graph.

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What are some evaluation points for deviation from social norms

Problem - it can lead to human rights abuse, because when people are different, they are seen as unacceptable. However, useful definition when behaviour has a negative effect on themselves.

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What are some evaluation points for Failure to Function Adequately?

Judging this can be very subjective - the patient may feel different compared to others judgements

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What are some evaluation points for deviation from ideal mental health?

Helpful, because it is thorough and covers most aspects of life. However, which of us can say we meet the criteria for ideal mental health? Nonetheless, we could argue that many people meet the criteria to a large degree.

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What does 'Deviation from social norms' mean?

Back

Behaviour which is different from the rest of society is seen as abnormal. These 'social norms' will vary between cultures. It is where behaviour is different from our expectations.

Card 3

Front

What does 'Failure to Function Adequantely' mean?

Back

Card 4

Front

What does 'deviation from ideal mental health' mean?

Back

Card 5

Front

What are some evaluation points for statistical infrequency

Back

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Psychopathology Definitions of Abnormality