Examine the concepts of normality and abnormality. (22)
Examine (22) - Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue.
Deviation from the norm (Statistical infrequency)
- Unusual behaviours are sometimes desirable e.g. geniuses
- Undesirable behaviour are sometimes normal e.g. depression
- Having disorders without breaking social norms.
- Norm differs due to culture, age. Criteria are not universally applicable.
- Who decides the extent of deviation from norm?
- Causes ethical issues
- Social labeling
- Discrimination
- Violation of human rights
Social deviation
- Normality defined by the standards of social behaviour.
- Variation of norms in different demographic/social groups.
- Situational norms
- Acceptable depending on situation
- Developmental norm
- Acceptable depending on development.
- Norms changes according to prevailing moral values
- e.g. Homosexuality, Divorce
- Pressure on becoming the norm.
- Conforming to the norm without internalising it.
- Repressed to a point where one develops a disorder.
Dysfunction and distress
- Behaviour disrupts that ability to work and/or to conduct satisfying relationship with people.
- Not all mental disorders are accompanied by distress (anti-social personality disorder).
- Not all distress are disorders (grief).
- Certain elements jointly determine abnormality, when they co-occur, then it is symptomatic. (Rosenhan and Seligman)
- What are positive and negative symptoms?
Deviation from mental health
Mental Health Criteria – Jahoda |
Condition |
Explanation |
Positive self attitude |
Having a positive self concept |
Self actualisation |
Striving to fulfill potential |
Personal autonomy |
Being fairly self-reliant |
Accurate perception of reality |
Having a realistic view of ourselves/the world |
Adapting to the environment |
Being flexible and adaptive |
Resistance to stress |
Ability to tolerate anxiety |
Point of consideration: Does the criteria still apply considering it was established in 1958?
Seven Criteria of Abnormality – Seligman & Rosenhan |
Condition |
Explanation |
Suffering |
Distress or discomfort. |
Maladaptiveness |
Engage in behaviour that made life more difficult. |
Irrationality |
Incomprehensible, cannot communicate in a reasonable manner. |
Unpredictability |
Act in ways that are unpredictable. |
Unconventionality |
Experiencing things that are different. |
Violation of moral and ideal standards |
Breaking ethical and moral standards. |
Observer discomfort |
Acting in ways that makes other feel discomfort. |
- Ambiguity and subjectivity in defining terms e.g. reality and positivity.
- There are people who are normal that does not fulfill the characteristics and people that are abnormal that fulfill the characteristics.
- Influenced by cultural attitudes.
- Too idealistic, only a few individuals can achieve the idealistic self.
- Too difficult to measure, too vague to diagnosis.