Defining Abnormality

Definition 1

Deviation

from Social Norms What does this mean?

Definition 1 Deviation form Social Norms

This explanation defines abnormality in terms of what constitutes deviant behaviour, that is, behaviour which is anti-social or undesirable. What does this mean? WELL All societies have standards of acceptable behaviour and social norms covering morals and the way that society thinks about issues. So for example, politeness is a norm in a society; it oils the wheels of interpersonal relations. People who are rude or surly are behaving in a socially deviant way because others find it difficult to interact with them. Social standards are also concerned with more serious moral issues such as what is acceptable sexual behaviour. Our culture permits sex between consulting adults of either gender but regards some behaviours as sexually deviant such as paedophilia and bestiality. Such behaviours are socially deviant.

Deviation from Social Norms

Give

some limitations of this definition.

Deviation from Social Norms limitations

Susceptible to Abuse there is a big problem with the idea of deviation from social norms because what is socially acceptable now was not socially acceptable 50 years ago. What about homosexuality? In the past in was defined as a sexual disorder and illegal, but now it is acceptable indeed to discriminate against someone on grounds of their sexuality is now illegal! In Russia it is now more acceptable to speak your mind politically 35 years ago, anyone who disagreed with the state was regarded as insane and put in a mental institution. ..SO If we define abnormality as deviation from social norms, we must be aware that the definition is linked to current social thinking. Todays lunatic is tomorrows mainstream thinker!!

Deviation from Social Norms More limitations Cultural Relativism If you define abnormality
in terms of social norms you must remember that social norms are defined by the culture. The DSM has classification systems which are based on the social norms of white, middle class, western cultures, yet the same criteria are applied to people from different subcultures living in the west.

Could this be why African-Caribbean immigrants are SEVEN times more likely to be diagnosed as schizophrenic than whites? DISCUSS!! So what does all this mean? - That the social deviance model is so affected by cultural norms so some would say that it really is not a sound basis for defining psychological abnormality.

Definition 2 Failure to function adequately

Outline

this model of abnormality

Definition 2 Failure to function adequately

Most people aim to be able to cope with day-today living. Abnormality can then be judged in terms of not being able to cope. SO If you are feeling depressed, this is acceptable as long as you can continue to go to work, eat meals, wash your clothes and generally go about day-to-day living.
SO Failure to function adequately refers to a persons ability or inability to cope with day-today living. Sometimes a persons mental state interferes with this.

Failure to function adequately

Give

some limitations for this model

Definition 2 Failure to function adequately - Limitations

Who Judges? What is adequate functioning and who decides? Some people may feel fine about the way theyre functioning or be unaware that theyre not coping. It is others who may be uncomfortable with the behaviour and judge it abnormal. Schizophrenics often do not feel they have a problem yet their behaviour may be dangerous to themselves and sometimes to others. (Yorkshire ripper, Peter Sutcliffe is a schizophrenic) CULTURAL RELATIVISM - Definitions of adequate functioning are related to cultural ideas of how ones life should be lived. Different cultures have different standards and if the standard of one culture is being used to diagnose another there will be some differences. This may explain why lower-class and non-white patients are more often diagnosed with mental disorderstheir lifestyles are nontraditional and this may well lead to a judgement of failing to function adequately.

Definition 3 Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

Outline

this model

Definition 3 Deviation from ideal Mental Health

It was pointed out by Marie Jahoda in 1958 that we define PHYSICAL illness partly by looking at the ABSENCE of signs of physical health. Physical health is shown by having correct skin colour, normal blood pressure etc. Why not do this with mental illness? Jahoda conducted a review of what others had written about mental health and identified SIX important categories. 1. Self attitudes: having high self-esteem and a strong sense of identity. 2. Personal growth and self-actualisation: the extent to which a person develops his/her potential. 3. Integration: the extent to which a person can cope with stressful situations. 4. Autonomy: being independent 5. Having an accurate perception of reality. 6. Mastery of the environment: Being able to love, function at work, adjust to new situations, solve problems.

Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

Outline

some limitations of this model

Definition 3 Deviation from ideal Mental Health - LIMITATIONS

Blimey Who is sane? According to these criteria most of us are abnormal and possibly mentally disordered!! Jahodas criteria are the ideal so how many need to be lacking before a person would be judged as abnormal? Cultural Relativism - All the items listed in Jahodas ideal health model are culture-bound. If we apply them to nonwestern or non middle-class social groups, a higher incidence of abnormality will be found. For example, selfactualisation is relevant to members of individualist cultures but not to collectivist ones where individuals strive for greater good of the community rather than self-centred goals.

Miss Bushs Homework

Outline

and evaluate attempts to define abnormality. (12 marks)