Normality vs Abnormality

Why is distinguishing between normality and abnormality in diagnosis complex?

Because there are no biological markers, making the process ambiguous and subjective.

What are the two main classification systems used for diagnosis?

DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders by APA) and ICD (International Classification of Diseases by WHO).

What is diagnosis in psychology?

The process of identifying and classifying abnormal behavior based on symptoms and clinical judgment.

What is an ethical concern related to diagnosis?

To improve the quality of life of individuals.

What four topics are discussed in this essay on normality and abnormality?

Jahoda’s IMH criteria, Rosenhan & Seligman’s maladaptive criteria, the role of classification systems, and cultural influences.

What are Jahoda’s six aspects of ideal mental health?

Autonomy, self-actualization, positive self-view, environmental mastery, integration, and accurate perception of reality.

How does the positive self-view criterion face limitations?

It is relevant for disorders like depression (low self-esteem) but not useful for psychopathy or narcissism (inflated self-esteem).

Why might self-actualization be culturally biased?

It is emphasized in individualistic cultures but less valued or rejected in collectivist cultures.

What do cultural differences in Jahoda’s criteria indicate?

That the concept of normality is subjective and culturally dependent.

What is one strength of Jahoda’s IMH criteria regarding its perspective?

It offers a positive outlook on mental health by focusing on well-being rather than illness.

How does Jahoda’s IMH criteria align with psychotherapy?

It has ecological validity since therapy often aims to improve these criteria

Why is Jahoda’s IMH considered subjective?

The criteria are vague and difficult to measure.

What is unclear in Jahoda’s IMH regarding diagnosis?

How many criteria must be met for someone to be diagnosed.

Why is Jahoda’s IMH seen as unrealistic?

Few people meet all six criteria at all times.

What type of bias is present in Jahoda’s IMH?

Cultural bias, especially in criteria like autonomy and self-actualization.

What do Rosenhan & Seligman focus on to define abnormality?

Negative indicators of mental health.

What are three of the seven behaviors linked to abnormality according to Rosenhan & Seligman?

Suffering, observer discomfort, and unpredictability.

How is suffering useful and limited in diagnosis?

Useful for depression and anxiety but not psychopathy or narcissism.

How is observer discomfort useful and limited in diagnosis?

Useful for visible symptoms (e.g., Tourette’s) but not invisible symptoms (e.g., internal OCD).

Why are Rosenhan & Seligman’s criteria easy to use?

They focus on observable and intuitive problematic behaviors.

How do their criteria complement diagnosis?

By highlighting clear, negative symptoms that can be quickly identified.

Why are their criteria considered subjective?

They are vague, with no clear threshold for how many behaviors indicate abnormality.

What is one limitation in terms of applicability?

Not all behaviors apply to all disorders, leading to inconsistency.

How does culture affect Rosenhan & Seligman’s criteria?

They don’t account for cultural or situational contexts.

Why are classification systems essential in diagnosis?

They help standardize diagnosis in the absence of biological markers.

What is a limitation of classification systems?

Diagnosis relies on clinical consensus, leaving room for human error.

What is one strength of the DSM?

It provides operational criteria that improve inter-rater and test-retest reliability.

What was the aim of Rosenhan’s first study?

To test the validity and reliability of psychiatric diagnosis using DSM-II.

What method did Rosenhan use?

8 pseudopatients feigned hearing voices ("empty," "hollow," "thud") to get admitted to psychiatric hospitals.

What diagnosis did the pseudopatients receive?

Schizophrenia (Type 2 error: false positive).

What happened after admission in Rosenhan’s study?

They acted normally but were still perceived as insane and discharged with “schizophrenia in remission.”

What did Rosenhan’s study reveal about DSM-II?

It had low validity and used vague, subjective criteria.

How does Rosenhan’s study demonstrate ecological validity?

It was conducted in real-life hospital settings, reflecting actual diagnostic practice.

How does culture influence diagnosis?

Culture defines acceptable behavior and symptom expression; breaking cultural norms may lead to mislabeling normal behavior as abnormal.

What is a major limitation of classification systems regarding culture?

They often fail to account for culture-specific syndromes.

What was the aim of Bolton’s study?

To test the validity of DSM criteria in a non-Western context (Rwanda).

What sample did Bolton use?

Rwandan genocide survivors.

How did Bolton identify local expressions of mental illness?

Through interviews with locals, consulting healers and leaders, and comparing findings with DSM criteria.

What two local disorders were identified in Bolton’s study?

Agahinda Gakabije (local depression) and Guhahamuka (local PTSD).

What did Bolton’s findings reveal?

Local symptoms had higher prevalence than DSM-defined ones, showing cultural bias in DSM diagnosis.