What is meant by the definition of abnormality as a sense of personal discomfort?
Abnormal behaviour is described as behaviour that is statistically infrequent, deviates from social norms, prevents proper function, or deviates from ideal mental health. Show
There is great debate about how we should define abnormal behaviour. Who gets to decide what is normal? What happens if our view of 'normal' changes over time and between cultures? To explore this, we will look at and evaluate some of the different ways through which abnormality is defined. Statistical InfrequencyStatistical infrequency is a mathematical approach that quantifies behaviour. Using IQ as a measure of intelligence is an example of the statistical infrequency approach. Statistical infrequency aims to find a mean average of behaviour amongst the population. According to statistical infrequency:
Standard deviation can inform us how far someone's behaviour deviates from the mean average, that is, how abnormal their behaviour is. A normal distribution curve can be generated if the population shares a common behaviour. This means that most people within the population will be on or near the mean average, but if an individual is outside of the normal distribution, they will be defined as abnormal. Normal distribution curve, Yzabelle Bostyn, StudySmarter Originals When do people buy Christmas presents? If we illustrated the results of this question on a normal distribution curve:
Strengths and weaknesses of statistical infrequencyLet's take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of statistical infrequency. Strengths
Weaknesses
Deviation from social normsThe deviation from social norms approach defines abnormality as behavioursthat defy or disregard the social expectations of acceptable ways to behave in a given society. Unlike the statistical infrequency approach, which defines normality and abnormality through quantitative research results, the deviation from the social norms approach defines normality and abnormality by the norms accepted by social groups.Some social norms are unspoken but widely accepted, such as queuing in shops. Others are both accepted and enforced by the legal system. These norms can also be context-dependent; for instance, if you are eating a burger, it is normal to eat with your hands, but if you are eating soup, that would be considered abnormal. Strengths and weaknesses of deviation from social normsThe strengths and weaknesses of deviation from social norms are as follows: Strengths
Weaknesses
Failure to function adequatelyFailure to function adequately defines abnormality as being unable to cope with the demands of everyday life, for example, maintaining personal hygiene, eating, and going to work. For instance, people with depression often struggle to get out of bed to go to work or engage in social activities. This is a sign of abnormality and may cause distress to them and their loved ones. Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggested some features to help define failure to function adequately:
Strengths and weaknesses of failure to function adequatelyLet's evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of failure to function adequately. Strengths
Weaknesses
Deviation from ideal mental healthThis definition of abnormality views mental health similarly to physical health by looking for signs of a deviation from normal functioning and wellbeing. Jahoda (1958) provided a list of characteristics that, if a person deviated from, they would be considered abnormal:
Strengths and weaknesses of deviation from ideal mental healthThe strengths and weaknesses of deviation from ideal mental health are as follows: Strengths
Weaknesses
Definitions of Abnormality - Key takeaways
What is meant by the definition of abnormality as a sense of personal discomfort quizlet?Abnormality as a sense of personal discomfort. A more useful definition concentrates on the psychological consequences of the behavior for the individual. Behavior is considered abnormal if it produces a sense of personal distress, anxiety, or guilt in an individual or if it is harmful to others in some way.
What are the definitions of abnormality?Definitions of Abnormality: Statistical Infrequency, Deviation from Social Norms, Failure to Function Adequately, Deviation from Ideal Mental Health.
Which of the following best captures the definition of abnormality as a sense of personal discomfort?Which of the following best captures the definition of abnormality as a sense of personal discomfort? Behavior is abnormal when it deviates from a statistical norm in a particular culture.
What is meant by the definition of abnormality as deviation from the ideal?Deviation from ideal mental health is a definition of abnormality, which suggests that abnormal behaviour should be defined by the absence of particular (ideal) characteristics.
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