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Defining Abnormality - Coggle Diagram
Defining Abnormality
Statistical Infrequency:
When a person has a less common characteristic than most of the population
Defined as behaviours that are rare
Evaluation:
S - Real life application - useful part of clinical diagnosis
W -Unusual characteristics could be a positive eg. high IQ
Deviation from Social Norms:
Abnormal behaviour is seen as a deviation from implicit rules about how one 'aught' to behave
Anything that violates these rules is abnormal
Evaluation:
S - Can be more useful for clinical diagnosis compared to SI
Takes desirability into account + effect on others
W - In practise it's never the sole reason for defining abnormality
Failure to Function Adequately:
Can no longer cope with the demands of everyday life
Characteristics:
Suffering
Maladaptive behaviour
Vividness and unconventionally
Unpredictability and loss of control
Irrationality/incomprehensibility
Causes observer discomfort
Violates moral/social standards
Evaluation:
S - Considers the patients perspective
W - Subjective judgement (could just be DSM)
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health:
Focuses on what makes anyone 'normal' instead of abnormal
Criteria:
No symptoms of distress
Are rational + can perceive ones self accurately
Can self-actualise (reach potential)
Can cope with stress
Have a realistic view of the world
Good self esteem + lack of guilt
Are independent of other people
Can successfully work, love and enjoy our leisure
Evaluation:
S - Sets a very high standard
S - Very comprehensible
W - Cultural relativism (ideas are culture bound)