Defining Abnormality One way of defining abnormality is in terms of characteristics or behaviours that are statistically infrequent (the deviation from statistical norms definition). However, this does not take into account the desirability of a characteristic or behaviour. The definition also fails
Defining Abnormality All of the definitions of abnormality that we have studied, have been culturally specific, meaning that, what may possibly be classed as normal in one culture, could be classed as extremely abnormal to another. This problem of cultural relativism limits the definitions accuracy in being able to define abnormality as a whole. It is near impossible to make an absolute statement about what is normal, or abnormal in human behaviour, purely because
Cultural Diversity and Defining Abnormality All ways of defining of abnormality are limited to a certain extent by cultural variations. This makes it difficult for psychologists to be sure that their definition technique would be effective and accurate in diagnosing all cases of abnormality. The main issue for psychologists regarding cultural diversity is that what may be considered normal in one place may be abnormal in another and therefore psychologist must consider
Defining Abnormality With Consideration of Cultural Differences Cultural differences are always a problem when defining abnormality. What one would consider completely normal in one culture would be considered abnormal in another, for example the island of Java often set fire to a ball soaked in petrol and then play football with it. Here that would be considered wrong and abnormal but is an everyday occurrence for the people of Java. This concept doesn't only apply to
The Four Main Approaches to Defining Abnormality The statistical approach to defining abnormality analyses data collected from a population of people, and highlights rare and un-typical behaviour, which is then labelled abnormal. For a certain behaviour to be labelled ‘normal’ in a statistical point of view, it needs to be an average behaviour performed by the population in question. This is why labelling behaviours from culture to culture and place-to-place is very
disorder so difficult to understand. When discussing or defining what is abnormal we can run into some challenges on our techniques in defining or diagnosing a patient. There are so many ways a person or client or patient can appear normal or not. Misinterpreting this can lead to very unpleasant results. Definitions of Abnormality The follow defined terms can have great uses or limitations. The statistical type of definition of abnormality can be seen as a complete version displaying creditability
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES Question 10 “Abnormality is very difficult to define. It can be hard to decide where normal behaviour ends and abnormal behaviour begins” Discuss two or more definitions of abnormality AO1 = 6 marks Knowledge and understanding of definitions of abnormality. AO2 = 6 marks Commentary on definitions of abnormality. The term ‘abnormal’ means deviating from the average. Therefore, if we were to adopt a literal approach to defining abnormality, we would conclude that any rare
behaviors to be associated with witches or sorcerers. With time different areas, such as the psychosocial, biological and sociocultural, saw that they could find an explanation for these odd behaviors. Throughout time there have been problems with defining abnormal behaviors. Abnormal psychology is also known as psychopathology, and it seeks to understand abnormal behaviors. A behavior can be normal to one person while being completely abnormal to another. Differences in culture, environment, and upbringing
Examine the concepts of normality and abnormality (22mks) Abnormality may be defined as behavior that causes distress, loss of freedom, physical or emotional pain, and increased risk of death or injury to self or something that causes a disability of some sort. Abnormal behaviour is however difficult to diagnose because it is, to a large extent, based on the symptoms people exhibit. Psychiatrists and psychologists use a standardized system called a diagnostic manual to help them but this system
Examine the concepts of normality and abnormality (22mks) Abnormality may be defined as behavior that causes distress, loss of freedom, physical or emotional pain, and increased risk of death or injury to self or something that causes a disability of some sort. Abnormal behaviour is however difficult to diagnose because it is, to a large extent, based on the symptoms people exhibit. Psychiatrists and psychologists use a standardized system called a diagnostic manual to help them but this system