Definitions of abnormality -A-Level Psychology
Statistical infrequency:
This occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic compared to the population e.g a low score on an IQ test.
Evaluation:
It has a real life application in diagnosing intellectual disability disorder.It is useful in clinical assessments.
Unusual characteristics can be positive and desirable for example scoring high on an IQ test.
It can result in labels which can cause distress to people
Deviation from social norms:
This concerns behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a society.
Evaluation:
It has a real life application in diagnosing antisocial personality disorder.
Cultural relativism-what may be regarded as abnormal to one culture may be considered normal in another culture.
It can lead to human rights abuses.
Failure to function adequately:
This occurs when someone is unable to cope with the ordinary demands of day to day life.This may cause distress to others.
Evaluation:
It is subjective to patient experience so considers their distress even though it is difficult to measure distress.
Deviation from ideal mental health:
This occurs when an individual does not meet the set criteria for good mental health.
Evaluation:
It sets an unrealistically high expectation of ideal mental health.
Cultural relativism-Jahoda’s criteria meet more of a western demand than other cultures.
Abnormality refers to behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that deviate from what is considered normal or typical within a particular society or culture.
In psychology, abnormality is typically defined using one or more of the following criteria: statistical infrequency, violation of social norms, personal distress, dysfunction or impairment, and unexpectedness or unpredictability.
Examples of abnormal behaviors can include excessive anxiety, phobias, depression, substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders.
The biological approach suggests that abnormal behavior is caused by biological factors such as genetics, brain chemistry, and hormonal imbalances.
The psychodynamic approach suggests that abnormal behavior is caused by unresolved conflicts and repressed feelings from childhood experiences.
The behavioral approach suggests that abnormal behavior is caused by learned responses to environmental stimuli.
The cognitive approach suggests that abnormal behavior is caused by faulty thinking patterns and beliefs.
The humanistic approach suggests that abnormal behavior is caused by a lack of personal growth and self-actualization.
The sociocultural approach suggests that abnormal behavior is caused by cultural and social factors such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of resources.
Abnormality is diagnosed using a variety of methods including clinical interviews, psychological tests, and observation of behavior.
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