S

5.1 definitions of abnormality

Statistical infrequency

  • occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic

  • For example having a high IQ

Evaluation

  • real world application — used in clinical practice as a part of formal diagnosis and as a way to assess the severity of symptoms. An example of this is Becks depression inventory (BDI), a score of 30+ shows severe depression. So can be used to diagnose and assess

  • Does not apply to all abnormalities. There are some ‘abnormalities’ that are desirable, such as high IQ. Also some mental disorders such as depression or anxiety are statistically common so would not be identified as ‘abnormal’

  • It can help people receive help/ support, for example those with low IQ. However some with low IQ may not benefit from this label as there is a social stigma attached that may negatively impact them and their lives.

Deviation from social norms

  • behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society

  • Norms are specific to the culture we live in

  • For example a person with antisocial personality disorder is impulsive, aggressive and irresponsible

Evaluation

  • real world application — used in clinical practice to identify and diagnose disorders such as schizotypal personality disorder

  • Cultural relativism — it does not have cross cultural validity, for example hearing voices is seen as normal is some cultures and abnormal in others.

  • Can leave people open to human right abuses. Defining people as abnormal can lead to unfair labels, for example black slaves being diagnosed with drapetomania (black slaves running away) as a way to control slaves and avoid debate

Failure to function adequately

  • occurs when someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of day to day life

  • Rosenhan and seligman proposed signs: when a person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules (eye contact), when a person experiences severe personal distress, when a persons behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves or others

  • For example depression or having a low IQ

Evaluation

  • represents a threshold for help — this allows people to recognise they cannot function so they seek professional help or are noticed and referred help by otehrs. So treatment and services can be received

  • Discrimination and social control — some may choice to deviate from a typical lifestyle. So they are at risk of being labelled as abnormal and their freedom of choice may be restricted

  • May not be abnormal — there are circumstances in which most of us fail to cope for a time e.g bereavement. So it would be unfair to label someone as abnormal just because they react to difficult circumstances

Deviation from ideal mental health

  • occurs when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health

What does ideal mental health look like — Jahoda suggested the following criteria

  • We have no symptoms of distress

  • We are rational and can perceive ourselves accurately

  • We self actualise

  • We can cope with stress

  • We have a realistic view of the world

  • We have good self esteem and lack guilt

  • We are independent

  • We can successfully work, love and leisure

Evaluation

  • a comprehensive definition — provides a checklist against which we can assess ourselves and others, and discuss psychological issues with a range of professionals as its very broad

  • May be culture bound — in collectivist cultures being independent is seen as negative so cannot be applied from one culture to another

  • Extremely high standards — jahodas criteria is nearly impossible for people to achieve