Definition Of Deviation From Ideal Mental Health - 3734 Words

Psychologists have tried to define abnormality in several different ways by using the following definitions: †¢ Statistical infrequency †¢ Deviation from social norms †¢ Failure to function adequately †¢ Deviation from ideal mental health ************************************ Slide 4/5: Tom- Statistical Infruquency Slide 6/7: Tom- Deviation from social norm †¢ Failure to function adequately means that a person is considered abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life. They may be unable to perform the behaviours necessary for day to day living, for example self-care, being able to hold down a job, interact with others, and make themselves understood. Rosenhan Seligman (1989) suggest the following characteristics that define failure to function adequately: †¢ Suffering †¢ Maladaptiveness (danger to self) †¢ Vividness unconventionality (stands out) †¢ Unpredictably loss of control †¢ Irrationality/incomprehensibility †¢ Causes observer discomfort †¢ Violates moral/social standards Problems with defining abnormality using this definition includes the fact that some mental disorders do not cause distress and that sometimes it is normal to be distressed. One problem with this definition is abnormal behaviour may actually be helpful for the individual. For example, a person who has the obsessive-compulsive disorder of hand-washing may find that their behaviour makes them cheerful, happy and able to cope with their day (McLeod, 2008). †¢ There are many typesShow MoreRelatedAbnormality Essay Discuss Two or More Definitions of Abnormality920 Words   |  4 Pages10 â€Å"Abnormality is very difficult to define. It can be hard to decide where normal behaviour ends and abnormal behaviour begins† Discuss two or more definitions of abnormality AO1 = 6 marks Knowledge and understanding of definitions of abnormality. AO2 = 6 marks Commentary on definitions of abnormality. The term ‘abnormal’ means deviating from the average. Therefore, if we were to adopt a literal approach to defining abnormality, we would conclude that any rare behaviour or ability was abnormalRead MoreCultural Diversity and Defining Abnormality Essay602 Words   |  3 Pagespsychologists to be sure that their definition technique would be effective and accurate in diagnosing all cases of abnormality. The main issue for psychologists regarding cultural diversity is that what may be considered normal in one place may be abnormal in another and therefore psychologist must consider this fact before making a diagnosis. Although the deviation from statistical norm and deviation from ideal mental health definitions are affected by cultural differencesRead MoreAbnormality Definition Essay1013 Words   |  5 Pagesin several different aspects... According to the English Oxford living dictionary (2017) abnormality as ‘’ Deviating from what is normal or usual, typically in a way that is undesirable or worrying. However, there are several ways of defining abnormality including: failing to function adequately, deviation from social norms; statistical infrequency; deviation of ideal mental health. When somebody isn’t coping with the demands and activities of everyday life, they are deemed to be failing to functionRead MoreDefining Abnormality Essay736 Words   |  3 PagesDefining Abnormality All of the definitions of abnormality that we have studied, have been culturally specific, meaning that, what may possibly be classed as normal in one culture, could be classed as extremely abnormal to another. This problem of cultural relativism limits the definitions accuracy in being able to define abnormality as a whole. It is near impossible to make an absolute statement about what is normal, or abnormal in human behaviour, purely becauseRead MoreIs Psychoanalysis Unscientific? Essay1035 Words   |  5 Pagesare basically jargon (like the term atom or cell). Epistemic values are another anomaly which are features that lend credit to theories. So, for example, one could point to the feature comprehensiveness, which is the feature that treats all forms of mental illness for effectiveness. Another anomaly is an exemplar. During â€Å"normal science† the scientist solves puzzles, and when he does finally solve one, it is known as an exemplar. As researchers puzzle-solved within a paradigm, anomalies start toRead MoreExamine the Concepts of Normality and Abnormality1419 Words   |  6 Pagesfaults. Since there is no clear definition of normality or abnormality – and symptoms of the same psychological disorders may vary not only between individuals but also between social and cultural groups, it is clear that a psychiatric diagnosis may be biased or even wrong. Definitions of normality and abnormality can also change over time. Another way to define abnormality is to consider when behavior violates social norms or makes others anxious. This definition is also problematic. Cultural diversityRead MoreExamine the Concepts of Normality and Abnormality1419 Words   |  6 Pagesfaults. Since there is no clear definition of normality or abnormality – and symptoms of the same psychological disorders may vary not only between individuals but also between social and cultural groups, it is clear that a psychiatric diagnosis may be biased or even wrong. Definitions of normality and abnormality can also change over time. Another way to define abnormality is to consider when behavior violates social norms or makes others anxious. This definition is also problematic. Cultural diversityRead MoreFunctional Definitions Of Normal Behavior2381 Words   |  10 Pagescircumstances and or situations that might influence any individual’s behavior during his/her lifetime. Therefore, we will look at two generic definitions of normal behavior for the opposite will be abnormal. Conformity to what any given society considers to be the ‘norm’ is normal behavior and deviation from this is abnormal behavior. This is the first definition of abnormality. In here if a person behaves in any way that is socially deemed to be against what that given society considers to be normalRead MoreComplexities of Normal Behavior1913 Words   |  8 Pagesstarting point of normality, then any behaviour that deviates away from this is seen as abnormal. However, as many psychologist and theorists have found there is much more complexity behind each label, this is due to diversity of people, cultural relativism and mixed societies within the world all trying to define their own concept of what is â€Å"normal† and â€Å"abnormal† human behaviour. It is very difficult to draw a solid line from where normality begins and finishes becoming abnormal. Through-outRead More Defining Abnormality Essay2201 Words   |  9 Pagesdefining abnormality is in terms of characteristics or behaviours that are statistically infrequent (the deviation from statistical norms definition). However, this does not take into account the desirability of a characteristic or behaviour. The definition also fails to recognise that in all cultures large numbers of people may engage in behaviours that constitute mental disorders. A further problem is the failure to identify how far a person must deviate before being ‘abnormal’