simple explanations of definitions
DESCRIPTION
Simple definitions of abnormalityTRANSCRIPT
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
D
efining a person or behaviour as ‘abnormal’ implies
something undesirable and requiring change
T
herefore, we must be careful how we use the term
P
sychologists need methods for distinguishing ‘normal’ from
‘abnormal’
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
O
ur definition of abnormality must be objective:• It must not depend on anyone’s opinion or point of view• It should produce the same results whoever applies it
I
t must not be under- or over-inclusive• It must not label as ‘abnormal’ or ‘normal’ behaviours
or traits that aren’t
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY
Y
ou MUST have an understanding of the following three
definitions for the exam:1. Deviation from social norms2. Failure to function adequately3. Deviation from ideal mental health
Y
ou could have an understanding of the following definition
for the exam:• Statistical infrequency
STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY
U
nder this definition, a person’s trait, thinking or behaviour is
classified as abnormal if it is rare or statistically unusual.
W
ith this definition it is necessary to be clear about how rare
a trait or behaviour needs to be before we class it as
abnormal
STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY
freq
uen
cy
70 100 130
IQ Scores
Average IQ in the population is 100pts. The further from 100
you look, the fewer people you find
STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY
freq
uen
cy
70 100 130
IQ Scores
A very small subset of the population (<2.2%) have an IQ below 70pts. Such people are statistically rare. We regard them as having abnormally low IQs
DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS
U
nder this definition, a person’s thinking or behaviour is classified
as abnormal if it violates the (unwritten) rules about what is
expected or acceptable behaviour in a particular social group.
T
heir behaviour may:• Be incomprehensible to others• Make others feel threatened or uncomfortable
DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS
W
ith this definition, it is necessary to consider:
• The degree to which a norm is violated, the importance of that norm and the value attached by the social group to different sorts of violation.
• E.g. is the violation rude, eccentric, abnormal or criminal?
FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATELY
U
nder this definition, a person is considered abnormal if they
are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life.
T
hey may be unable to perform the behaviours necessary for
day-to-day living e.g. self-care, hold down a job, interact
meaningfully with others, make themselves understood etc.
FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATELY
Rosenhan & Seligman (1989) suggest the following characteristics:
• Suffering• Maladaptiveness (danger to self)• Vividness & unconventionality (stands out)• Unpredictability & loss of control• Irrationality/incomprehensibility• Causes observer discomfort• Violates moral/social standards
DEVIATION FROM IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH
U
nder this definition, rather than defining what is abnormal,
we define what is normal/ideal and anything that deviates
from this is regarded as abnormal
T
his requires us to decide on the characteristics we consider
necessary to mental health
DEVIATION FROM IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH
Psychologists vary, but usual characteristics include:
• Positive view of the self• Capability for growth and development• Autonomy and independence• Accurate perception of reality• Positive friendships and relationships• Environmental mastery – able to meet the varying
demands of day-to-day situations