Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards Preview

Psych (1.5) Psychopathology > Definitions of Abnormality > Flashcards

Flashcards in Definitions of Abnormality Deck (22)
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1
Q

What are the 4 definition of abnormality?

A
  • Deviation from social norms.
  • Statistical infrequency.
  • Deviation from ideal mental health.
  • Failure to function adequately.
2
Q

How many definitions of abnormality are there?

A
  1. (to be specific they are:)
    - Deviation from social norms.
    - Statistical infrequency.
    - Deviation from ideal mental health.
    - Failure to function adequately.
3
Q

What is deviation from social norms?

A

Where a behaviour violates unwritten social etiquettes about what is acceptable in a particular society.

4
Q

What is statistical infrequency?

A

Where a behaviour is statistically uncommon, or not seen often in society.

5
Q

What is deviation from ideal mental health?

A

Where a person does not contain a set of particular (healthy) characteristics.

6
Q

What is failure to function adequately?

A

Where a person is unable to cope with the demands of everyday life.

7
Q

What are the advantages of the failure to function adequately definition?

A

+ Considers feelings - focused on managing everyday life.
+ Measurable - there is a scale, the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF).
+ Observable - can be easily observed.

8
Q

What are the disadvantages of the failure to function adequately definition?

A
  • Everyday varies - some days are much harder than others.
  • Abnormality does not stop function - you can still function in your day to day activities while being abnormal.
  • Focuses heavily on individuals - religious and supernatural beliefs are seen as inhibiting.
9
Q

What are the advantages of the deviation from social norms definition?

A

+ Flexibility - social norms are allowed to change.
+ Clarity - norms are easy to see.
+ Socially beneficial - the adherence allows generalisation.

10
Q

What are the disadvantages of the deviation from social norms definition?

A
  • Changes over time - sometime hard to find changing norms.
  • Cultural differences - leads to confusion.
  • Ethic differences - may be normal in a subgroup of population but not in a whole.
11
Q

What are the advantages of the deviation from ideal mental health definition?

A

+ Focused - allows for targeted intervention.
+ Positive - focus on what is desirable and helpful.
+ Achievement - allows goals to be set and met.

12
Q

What are the disadvantages of the deviation from ideal mental health definition?

A
  • Feasibility - the idea of perfect mental health is not achievable.
  • Subjectivity - criteria for mental health is not clearly defined.
13
Q

What are the advantages of the statistical infrequency definition?

A

+ Intuitive - something abnormal is non-regular.
+ Objective - statistical nature clearly outlines abnormality.
+ Useful overview - views behaviour holistically.

14
Q

What are the disadvantages of the statistical infrequency definition?

A
  • Inflexible - there are set boundaries for abnormality.
  • Cultural differences - no consideration of cultures.
  • Can occur frequently - abnormal behaviours occur often.
15
Q

How is failure to function adequately measured?

A

The GAF scale (Global Assessment of Functioning Scale).

16
Q

How does the failure to function adequately definition view religious and supernatural beliefs?

A

It sees these as limiting personal freedom and irrational.

17
Q

Which definition has a positive view where goals can be set and worked towards?

A

Deviation from ideal mental health.

18
Q

Which definition is highly objective?

A

Statistical infrequency.

19
Q

What does psychopathology mean?

  • Psycho = ?
  • Pathology = ?
A

Disease of the mind;
Psycho = mind.
Pathology = disease.

20
Q

What is the DSM-V?

A

Diagnostic Statistics Manual (number 5).

21
Q

What is the ICD-10?

A

International Classification of Diseases (number 10).

22
Q

What are the two main classifications used for diagnosing classifications?

A

DSM-V and ICD-10.