Download - Simple explanations of definitions
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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’
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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?
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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.
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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
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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
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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