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

-occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic than the general population (eg being more depressed or less intelligent (getting IQ of 55 when the average is 85-115))

evaluation

strengths of statistical infrequency

-objective and applicable to diagnosis (eg for IDD (intellectual disability disorder) or using the BDI (beck depression inventory) to determine depression)

-being labelled as abnormal can be positive as they’re more likely to receive and therefore benefit from treatment, however some people do not benefit from the label

evaluation

limitations of statistical infrequency

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

deviation from social norms

-concerns behaviour that is different from the socially accepted standards of behaviour in a community (eg pushing in the line when everyone else is waiting in the queue)

evaluation

strengths of deviation of social norms definition

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

evaluation

limitations of deviation from social norms

-variability between social norms in different cultures and situations (homosexuality is celebrated in some countries and penalised in others, hearing voices is praised as a blessing and gift in some cultures).

-defining someone as abnormal carries the risk of unfair labelling and leaving them open to human rights abuses, like nymphomania (hypersexual women) or drapetomania (black slaves running away)

failure to function adequately

-occurs when someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands in everyday life. defined by david rosehan and martin seligman (1989) into sections:

• unpredictability

• resistance to conformity of standard cues (eye contact in conversation)

• maladaptive behaviour

• sever personal distress

• unconventionality

• irrationality / dangerous behaviour to themselves or others

• observer discomfort

evaluation

strengths of failure to function adequately definition

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

limitations or failure to function adequately definition

-easy to label non-standard lifestyle choices as abnormal (is the person struggling or have the simply chosen to deviate from social norms? (drinking from choice or as a coping mechanism)

-failure to function adequately may not be abnormal, due to bereavement, so it may be unfair to label someone that may cause them future problems just because they react to difficult circumstances

deviation from ideal mental health

-occurs when someone doesn’t meet the set of criteria for good mental health. marie jahoda (1958) suggested we are in good mental health if we meet the following criteria:

1. positive attitude towards one’s self - 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; adapting well to new life situations

6. accurate perception of reality; no distortion of thinking, rather than in a artistic or abstract way (eg thinking someone who got off the bus at the same stop as you is following you)

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

evaluation

strengths of deviation from ideal mental health definition

-highly comprehensive and specific/ operationalised overview of an ideal mental state

-distinguishes mental health from mental disorder

evaluation

limitations of deviation from ideal mental health definition

-suffers with issues of cultural relativism + primarily based on western world; strive and emphasise on career, education and marriage, therefore concept of self-actualisation is subjective and may not be duly achievable

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