Definitions of abnormality

Cultural relativism

The view that behaviour cannot be judged properly unless it is viewed in the context of the culture in which it originates

DSM

a list of mental disorders that is used to diagnose mental disorders.

For each disorder a list of clinical characteristics is given, i.e the symptoms that should be looked for

statistical infrequency

• abnormality is defined as those behaviours that are extremely rare, a behaviour that is found in very few people is regarded as abnormal

• Deviation from statistical norms

• Uses a bell curve to measure

• Allows us to determine the frequency distribution on  a data set

Evaluation

→ some abnormal behaviour is desirable

→ doesn’t account for athletes ,geniuses or learning difficulties

→ cut-off point is subjectively determined

→ quantitative - high in empiricism

deviation from social norms

• abnormal behaviour is seen as a deviation from social norms - approved or accepted ways of behaving in society - can be passed by law

• we are classed as deviant if we break these rules

• In the past homosexuality was classed as deviant

Evaluation:

→ changes over time - not fixed

→ cultural relativism - whats normal in one cultures isn’t in another

→ context based

failure to function adequately

• if you are unable to cope on a daily basis, doing simple tasks - you are abnormal

• revolves around having control over your own life

• Sometimes they themselves are not distressed (some cases of schizophrenia) but inflict this on others

• Factors that influence abnormality - personal distress, irrationality

Evaluation

→ who judges what is normal, may be normal to some people

→ Peter Sutcliffe (murderer) believed he was functioning adequetly and was protecting the people

→ Cultral relativism

Deviation from ideal mental health

• based on Marie Johoda’s ideal criteria (1958)

• Pointed out we define physical illness by looking at the absence of health - suggested we should do the same for mental illness

• Suggested we must meet the criteria to be classed as normal e.g positive self attitudes, personal growth, integration, autonomy

• Absence of these indicate mental disorder

Evaluation of deviation from ideal mental health

Evaluation:

→ criteria are not very achievable

→ physical illness can be diagnosed easily - we can hide mental health

→ cultural relativism - doesn’t apply to collectivist groups

Evaluation of failure to funtio

Evaluation

→ who judges what is normal, may be normal to some people

→ Peter Sutcliffe (murderer) believed he was functioning adequetly and was protecting the people

→ Cultral relativism