Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
definitions of abnormality - Coggle Diagram
definitions of abnormality
the statistical definition
uses the curve of normal distribution
any individual who falls outside the normal distribution is perceived as abnormal
usually around 5% of the population is perceived as abnormal
IQ can be used as a definition: those who score below 70 are seen as abnormal, those who score between 85-115 are seen as normal, those who score above 130 are seen as abnormal
strengths
quantitative data: easy to analyse
highlights abnormality as a lack of functioning e.g IQ is practical because it can be used as evidence to request funding or help for those suffering with a disorder
real life application in the diagnosis of interllectual disability disorder
weaknesses
cultural factors are not taken into account
abnormal behaviour is not always negative for example high IQ means that the statistical definition would never be used alone to make a diagnosis
not everyone benefits from being given a label- someone with a low IQ who was not distressed about it can become distressed if they are called abnormal
deviation from social norms
norms: are social rules that are not laws but customs. People in society abide by such rules in their behaviour
the behaviour which conforms to social norms is normal and behaviour that does not is abnormal
strengths
real life application in the diagnosis of anti social personality disorder therefore does match what is seen as abnormal in daily life
considers situational norms - norms that are normal in one situation but not another
includes the issue of desirability of a behaviour- social norms can be more useful than statistical norms
weaknesses
can lead to an abuse of a persons rights based on what society sees as normal
subjective - social norms are not real but bases on the opinions of the ruling elite within society then used to control
cultural differences: what is seen as abnormal in one culture may be normal in another
deviation from mental health
abnormality is seen as deviating from an ideal positive mental health
any deviation away from what is seen as normal is classed as abnormal
marie jahoda - the idea that mental health is described in 6 characteristics that an individual must exhibit to be normal
positive attitude towards oneself- having self respect and positive self concept
self actualisation- experiencing personal growth and development
autonomy- being independent, self reliant and able to make personal decisions
resisting stress- having effective coping strategies
accurate perception of reality
environmental mastery - being competent in all aspects of life and able to meet the demands of any situation
strengths
targets specific areas of dysfunction- useful for treatment
Hollistic- looks at the person as a whole rather than taking a narrow view
weaknesses
criteria is over demanding rare for someone to meet all of the ideals which means that most people would be seen as abnormal
non- desirability of autonomy unlike individualistic cultures collectivist cultures focus on communal goals and behaviours
subjective criteria- measuring mental health is not as objective as physical
failure to function adequately
define individuals as abnormal when their behaviour suggests they cannot cope with everyday life
if the behaviour causes distress leads to inability to function properly
rosenhan and seligman suggest there are 7 features of personal dysfunction there more an individual has the more they are classed as abnormal
personal distress
maladapaptive behaviour- behaviour stopping individuals from attaining life goals
unpredictability- displaying unexpected behaviours characterised by loss of control
irrationality- displaying behaviour that cannot be explained in a rational way
observer discomfort- behaviour causing discomfort to others
violation of moral standards - behaviour violating societies moral standards
unconventionality- displaying unconventional behaviours
strengths
the use of different features is practical as it enables individuals to asses their levels of abnormality
the use of global assessment for functioning scale means that the degree of abnormality is assessed professionals can decide who needs help
allows mental disorders to be viewed from their perspective
weaknesses
abnormality is not always accompanied by disfunction psychopaths have dangerous personalities but appear normal
requires a professional to judge whether someone is distressed- what is normal for one may not be for another
what s considered normal in one culture can be considered abnormal in another