ESSAYS
Discuss statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality (8)
Statistical infrequency is defining abnormality in terms of statistics.
Behaviour that is rarely seen is abnormal. For example, IQ is normally
distributed and the average IQ is 100 (most people are between 85 – 115).
Only 2% of the population have an IQ below 70 – these people are
statistically abnormal and diagnosed with intellectual disability disorder.
A strength of this definition is that it provides an objective measure of
abnormality. Statistical infrequency uses numbers in order to determine
what is a rare behaviour i.e. 2 SD away from the mean. This means that
the diagnosis is not influenced by personal opinion or bias. Therefore, this
definition and assessment of abnormality have greater validity.
However, cut off points are subjectively determined. For example, there is
disagreement about what constitutes as an abnormal lack of sleep. As this
is a symptom of depression, it is important to know where the cut off is in
order to make a diagnosis. This challenges the objective nature of the
definition.
Another limitation is that not all rare behaviours are undesirable. Having a
high IQ may be very rare, but is seen as a positive characteristic. The
problem with the definition is that it doesn’t differentiate between what is
desirable and undesirable so it needs to be clearer. Therefore the
definition cannot be used as the only definition of abnormality.
Discuss deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality (8)
Deviation from social norms is when a person behaves in a way that is
different from what is expected – abnormality is based on social context.
For example, an important symptom of antisocial personality disorder is a
failure to conform to ‘lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour’.
People with this disorder deviate from social norms, such as lacking
empathy.
A strength of this definition is that it is able to differentiate between
desirable and undesirable behaviour. For example, highly aggressive
people are just as unusual as highly non-aggressive people. Aggression is
not socially accepted. Therefore, deviation from social norms allows for a
distinction between normal and abnormal behaviour to be made, and can
provide appropriate treatment to those who need.
However, social norms are culturally relative, which might lead to bias.
Social norms differ between cultures, and what is considered normal in
one, may be abnormal in another. For example, some cultures think that
, hearing voices is a positive concept. Mindfield suggests that Muslims may
think it is acceptable to hear voices from God. However, in England, they
would be diagnosed with schizophrenia. This could lead to people from
other cultures being incorrectly labelled and discriminated against, or lead
to an incorrect diagnosis.
Discuss failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality (8)
According to the failure to function adequately definition, a person is
considered abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of
everyday life (e.g. social or occupational) and live independently in
society. Rosenhan and Seligman noted signs of failure to cope. this
included that a person’s behaviour should cause them personal suffering
and distress because of their failure to cope. they may also cause distress
or discomfort to other people who observe their behaviour, such as no
longer conforming to interpersonal rules.
A strength of this definition is that it represents a threshold for people
when they need professional help. According to the charity Mind, around
25% of people in the UK will experience a mental health problem, and
many tend to not seek help, even if their symptoms are severe. It is only
when people fail to function that help is sought. Therefore, the definition
provides the criteria necessary to ensure treatment and services are
targeted at those who need them most.
However, the presence of an abnormality doesn’t always result in a failure
to function. For example, a person with OCD may have rituals that prevent
them from functioning adequately, where another person may find time to
perform these rituals. A person with depression might be able to hold
down a job successfully. Someone who is a psychopath may show little
distress and yet their behaviour is maladaptive – Harold Shipman pleaded
guilty for 215 patients but hadn’t displayed any signs of dysfunction.
Therefore, this shows that failure to function cannot truly identify
behaviours that may be considered abnormal.
Discuss deviation from ideal mental health adequately as a definition of
abnormality (8)
Jahoda took an approach to defining abnormality that was different from
other definitions. She suggested that abnormal behaviour should be
defined by the absence of ideal characteristics. In other words, behaviours
which deviate from ideal mental health. Jahoda outlined a series of
principles, including: having an accurate view of reality, being able
integrate and resist stress and being able to master your environment
(love, friendships, work, leisure time etc.) Therefore, if an individual does
Discuss statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality (8)
Statistical infrequency is defining abnormality in terms of statistics.
Behaviour that is rarely seen is abnormal. For example, IQ is normally
distributed and the average IQ is 100 (most people are between 85 – 115).
Only 2% of the population have an IQ below 70 – these people are
statistically abnormal and diagnosed with intellectual disability disorder.
A strength of this definition is that it provides an objective measure of
abnormality. Statistical infrequency uses numbers in order to determine
what is a rare behaviour i.e. 2 SD away from the mean. This means that
the diagnosis is not influenced by personal opinion or bias. Therefore, this
definition and assessment of abnormality have greater validity.
However, cut off points are subjectively determined. For example, there is
disagreement about what constitutes as an abnormal lack of sleep. As this
is a symptom of depression, it is important to know where the cut off is in
order to make a diagnosis. This challenges the objective nature of the
definition.
Another limitation is that not all rare behaviours are undesirable. Having a
high IQ may be very rare, but is seen as a positive characteristic. The
problem with the definition is that it doesn’t differentiate between what is
desirable and undesirable so it needs to be clearer. Therefore the
definition cannot be used as the only definition of abnormality.
Discuss deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality (8)
Deviation from social norms is when a person behaves in a way that is
different from what is expected – abnormality is based on social context.
For example, an important symptom of antisocial personality disorder is a
failure to conform to ‘lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour’.
People with this disorder deviate from social norms, such as lacking
empathy.
A strength of this definition is that it is able to differentiate between
desirable and undesirable behaviour. For example, highly aggressive
people are just as unusual as highly non-aggressive people. Aggression is
not socially accepted. Therefore, deviation from social norms allows for a
distinction between normal and abnormal behaviour to be made, and can
provide appropriate treatment to those who need.
However, social norms are culturally relative, which might lead to bias.
Social norms differ between cultures, and what is considered normal in
one, may be abnormal in another. For example, some cultures think that
, hearing voices is a positive concept. Mindfield suggests that Muslims may
think it is acceptable to hear voices from God. However, in England, they
would be diagnosed with schizophrenia. This could lead to people from
other cultures being incorrectly labelled and discriminated against, or lead
to an incorrect diagnosis.
Discuss failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality (8)
According to the failure to function adequately definition, a person is
considered abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of
everyday life (e.g. social or occupational) and live independently in
society. Rosenhan and Seligman noted signs of failure to cope. this
included that a person’s behaviour should cause them personal suffering
and distress because of their failure to cope. they may also cause distress
or discomfort to other people who observe their behaviour, such as no
longer conforming to interpersonal rules.
A strength of this definition is that it represents a threshold for people
when they need professional help. According to the charity Mind, around
25% of people in the UK will experience a mental health problem, and
many tend to not seek help, even if their symptoms are severe. It is only
when people fail to function that help is sought. Therefore, the definition
provides the criteria necessary to ensure treatment and services are
targeted at those who need them most.
However, the presence of an abnormality doesn’t always result in a failure
to function. For example, a person with OCD may have rituals that prevent
them from functioning adequately, where another person may find time to
perform these rituals. A person with depression might be able to hold
down a job successfully. Someone who is a psychopath may show little
distress and yet their behaviour is maladaptive – Harold Shipman pleaded
guilty for 215 patients but hadn’t displayed any signs of dysfunction.
Therefore, this shows that failure to function cannot truly identify
behaviours that may be considered abnormal.
Discuss deviation from ideal mental health adequately as a definition of
abnormality (8)
Jahoda took an approach to defining abnormality that was different from
other definitions. She suggested that abnormal behaviour should be
defined by the absence of ideal characteristics. In other words, behaviours
which deviate from ideal mental health. Jahoda outlined a series of
principles, including: having an accurate view of reality, being able
integrate and resist stress and being able to master your environment
(love, friendships, work, leisure time etc.) Therefore, if an individual does
