Definitions of Abnormality

Behaviour which is rare and not exhibited by many people.

Statistical infrequency.

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Behaviour which does not fit the rules of expected behaviour.

Deviation from social norms.

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Behaviour which shows an inability to cope with everyday life.

Failure to function adequately.

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Which two of the following are examples of Jahoda's criteria for 'ideal mental health'?

A - Dependence on others.
B - Environmental mastery.
C - Lack of inhibition.
D - Maladaptiveness.
E - Resistance to stress.

B - Environmental mastery.
E - Resistance to stress.

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The following statements are all linked to different definitions of abnormality.
Select the two statements that describe the deviation from ideal mental health definition of abnormality.

A - Behaviour that is different from the way most people in societ

B - Not achieving self-actualisation.
F - Not being able to resist stress.

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Abnormality can be defined as 'the failure to function adequately'.

Outline and evaluate this definition of abnormality.

(6 marks)

Failure to function adequately (FFA) refers to abnormality that prevents a person from carrying out the range of behaviours that society would expect from them, such as getting out of bed each day, holding down a job, etc. Rosenham & Seligman suggested a

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Outline two limitations of the deviation from ideal mental health definition of abnormality.

(4 marks)

One limitation of this definition of abnormality is that it would be very difficult for a person to reach all of the criteria set. Therefore, this would mean that very few people would be considered psychologically healthy, according to this definition.

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Identify one definition of abnormality and explain one limitation associated with this definition.

(3 marks)

Deviation from social norms is a definition of abnormality. A limitation of this definition is that social norms can vary over time. This means that behaviour that would have been defined as abnormal at one point in time is no longer considered abnormal.

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Bina has been diagnosed with depression. Her doctor says that depression is a common problem but Bina is miserable. She cannot be bothered to get washed in the morning and her manager is unhappy that she is taking a lot of time off work. When she does go

The statistical infrequency definition of abnormality would not deem Bina's behaviour as abnormal as her doctor says that depression is "quite common".

However, the failure to function adequately definition of abnormality would say that Bina is abnormal

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Definitions of Abnormality

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