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PSYCHOPATHOLOGY - DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY - Coggle Diagram
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY - DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
A01
DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS
ABNORMALITY IS BASED ON SOCIAL CONTEXT
When a person behaves in a way that is different from how they are expected to behave they may be defined as abnormal.
Societies + social groups make collective judgements about 'correct' behaviours in particular circumstances
THREE TYPES OF CONSEQUENCES OF BEHAVIOUR
There are relatively few behaviours that would be considered universally abnormal therefore definitions are related to cultural context
This includes historical differences within the same society
For example, homosexuality is viewed as abnormal in some cultures but not others + was considered abnormal in our society in the past
EXAMPLE: ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER (APD)
One important symptom of APD is a failure to conform to 'lawful + culturally normative ethical behaviour'
In other words, a psychopath is abnormal because they deviate from social norms/standards. They generally lack empathy
FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATELY
ROSENHAN + SELIGMAN (1989) PROPOSED SIGNS OF FAILURE TO COPE
When someone is not coping:
They no longer conform to interpersonal rules e.g., maintaining personal space
They experience personal distress
They behave in a way that is irrational + dangerous
EXAMPLE: INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY DISORDER
Having a very low IQ is statistical infrequency but diagnosis would not be made on this basis alone. there would have to be clear signs that, as a result of this, the person was not able to cope with the demands of everyday living. So intellectual disability disorder is an example of failure to function adequately
INABILITY TO COPE WITH EVERYDAY LIVING
For instance, not being able to hold down a job, maintain relationships or maintain basic standards of nutrition + hygiene
A person may cross the line between normal + abnormal at the point that they cannot deal with the demmands of everyday life- they fail to function adequately
STATISTICAL INFREQUENCEY
Behaviour that is rarely seen as abnormal
Any relatively 'usual', or often seen, behaviour can be thought of as 'normal'
Any behaviour that is different, or rare, is 'abnormal' i.e. statistical infrequency
Defining abnormality in terms of statistics
The most obvious way to define anything as 'normal' or 'abnormal' is in terms of the number of times it is observed. Statistics is about analysing numbers
Example: IQ + intellectual disability disorder
IQ is normally distributed
The average IQ is 10. Most people have an IQ between 85-115, only 2% have a score below 70
Those individuals scoring below 70 are statistically unusual or 'abnormal' + are diagnosed with intellectual disability disorder
DEVIATION FROM IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH
CHANGING THE EMPHASIS
A different way to look at normality + abnormality is to think about what makes someone 'normal' and psychologically healthy. Then identify anyone who deviates from this ideal
PRAISE MODEL - JAHODA
8 CRITERIA:
No syptoms or distress
We are rational + percieve ourselves accurately
We self-actualise
We can cope with stress
We have a realistic view of the world
We have good self esteem + lack guilt
We are independent of other people
We can successfully work, love + enjoy our leisure
OVERLAPPING DEFINITIONS
Someone's inability to keep a job may be a sign of their failure to cope with the pressures of work (failure to function adequately) or as a deviation from the ideal mental health