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Definitions of Abnormality - Coggle Diagram
Definitions of Abnormality
Statistical infrequency
A person's trait is classified as abnormal if it is rare or statistically unusual
AO3
Some characteristics are regarded as abnormal even though they are quite frequent
Infrequent traits can be desirable
Cohen (1988): few mental illnesses are reported in India because it is seen as a curse
Rack (1982): depression is far more prevalent in Asian culture
Kessler et al. (1994): 48% of Americans had suffered a period of mental illness
Deviation from social norms
Every society has commonly accepted standards of behaviour
AO3
Behaviours that deviates from social norms is not always a sign of psychopathology
Social norms vary overtime - does not provide an absolute definition of abnormality, and is era-dependant
Cultural relativity
Szasz (1974): the concept of mental illness was a tool used by the upper classes to control the working class
Failure to function adequately
Non-conformation to standard interpersonal rules, irrational, manipulative behaviours
AO3
Dependent on context/culture
Harold Shipman, a GP, who murdered over 200 patients, yet he maintained a good job and had a family
Provides an easy checklist and the GAF is scored on a sliding scale that allows clinicians to determine the degree of an individual’s issues
Deviation from ideal mental health
Jahoda (1958)
Positive self attitude, self actualisation, autonomy, stress resistance, environmental mastery, accurate perception of reality
AO3
Culturally specific
It cannot be a true measure of abnormality because no one achieves ideal mental health
Hardly anyone can be defined as normal, and most people are abnormal
Mental health is subjective and relies on self-reports and these may not be reliable