definitions of abnormality☑️

types of abnormality

1. statical infrequency

2. deviation from social norms

3. failure to function adequately

4. deviation from ideal mental health

statical infrequency

-having a less common characteristic than the general population (eg being more depressed or less intelligent)

evaluation of statistical infrequency

strengths

-objective; applicable to diagnosis

-being labelled as abnormal means more likely to receive and benefit from treatment, however labelling is socially sensitive

evaluation of statistical infrequency

limitations

-infrequent characteristics can be positive, so can’t solely be responsible for diagnosis of abnormality, eg having a low BDI score isn’t bad; must use other determiners

deviation from social norms

-behaviour that differs from the socially accepted standards in a community (eg pushing in line when everyone else is queueing)

evaluation of deviation of social norms definition

strengths

-applicable as it helps the diagnosis of specific disorders, like schizotypal personality disorder (hearing voices, inconsistent social interactions and paranoia); has psychiatric value

evaluation of deviation from social norms

limitations

-variability between social norms in different cultures and situations (homosexuality, hearing voices).

-defining someone as abnormal risks unfair labelling and human rights abuses, like nymphomania (hypersexual women)

failure to function adequately

-when someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of everyday life. rosenhan and seligman (1989):

• resistance to conformity of standard cues (eye contact) and unconventionality

• severe personal distress and observer discomfort

• irrationality / dangerous behaviour to themselves or others / maladaptive behaviour / unpredictability

evaluation of failure to function adequately definition

strengths

-sensitive threshold for when to seek professional help; the criteria means treatment and services can be targeted to those who need them most

evaluation of failure to function adequately definition

limitations

-labels non-standard lifestyle choices as abnormal (struggling or simply chosen to deviate from social norms? (drinking from choice or as a coping mechanism))

-failure to function adequately may not be abnormal (e.g. bereavement) so may be unfair to label someone that may cause future problems from normal reaction to difficult circumstances

deviation from ideal mental health

-when someone doesn’t meet the set of criteria for good mental health. marie jahoda (1958) criteria for good mental health:

1. positive attitude towards + rational perception of one’s self

2. self-actualisation; having belief that you CAN, and striving to, reach full potential

3. autonomy; self reliance and independence

4. resistance to stress, good coping

5. environmental mastery; well-adapting

6. accurate perception of reality; no distortions

meeting these means optimum ideal mental health, if not difficulties arise

evaluation of deviation from ideal mental health definition

strengths

-highly comprehensive and operationalised overview of an ideal mental state

-distinguishes mental health from mental disorder

evaluation of deviation from ideal mental health definition

limitations

-issues of cultural relativism; primarily based on western world, emphasis on career, education and marriage, therefore concept of self-actualisation is subjective

-very high standards that few people will attain could be disheartening, however something to work towards can be positive