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A* Alevel Psychology Notes - Abnormality
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A* Alevel Psychology Notes - Abnormality
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AQA AS Psychology Unit 2:Abnormality
Introduction
Definitions of abnormality
Psychopathology is the study of psychological disorders, and the priority of this topic is translating
this to a diagnosis. Simply put, how do we identify when someone is ill? When it comes to
psychological rather than physical abnormality, it is often harder to judge or define the parameters
involved.
Key Method: Statistical Infrequency
The most obvious way to define abnormality is in terms of statistical frequency. If a behaviour is
statistically frequent (close to the median, mode or mean, which are all descriptive statistics) then it
is considered more normal than one which is statistically infrequent. When a behaviour pattern
follows a normal distribution, then it is relatively simple to look at statistical frequency to sort the
normal from the abnormal.
-Evaluation
The main issue with this approach is that many statistically infrequent behaviours are not relevant
to diagnosis, as they are desirable. Few people, for example, would want to be treated for having an
IQ of over 150. In the reverse scenario, depression is common but it is certainly something we are
looking to treat. This means statistical infrequency is unable to distinguish between desirable and
undesirable behaviour, which should be recognised in defining abnormality for treatment.
Furthermore, the cut-off point for abnormality must be subjectively defined. For example, how far
away from the norm is a behaviour considered abnormal? Whether it is the lowest decile or quintile,
the point is decided subjectively despite the use of a quantitative reference point.
However, sometimes statistical infrequency is useful. Intellectual disability is defined using the
concept of standard deviation; individuals more than two standard deviations below the mean in IQ
are considered as having a mental disorder. However, a diagnosis also relies on failure to function
adequately as well, so even here statistical infrequency is not absolute.
Key Method: Social Norms
Another way to define abnormality is by using social norms. These are norms created by people;
standards of acceptable behaviour adhered to by a social group. Deviation from these social norms
would make an individual abnormal. These standards often 'evolve' for a reason, for example
politeness helps interaction and information gathering. Past laws against homosexuality are an
example of where abnormality was defined by social norms.
, -Evaluation
The primary difficulty with using deviation from social norms is that these vary as times and
societies change. If we define abnormality strictly in terms of social norms, then mental health
professionals may, intentionally or otherwise, classify others as mentally ill solely for perceived
transgression of social norms. The example of homosexuality is again relevant.
Additionally, deviance is too related to the context of behaviour. Outfits are normal in some
environments but not in others. There is no distinction between abnormality and eccentricity. This
means social deviance cannot be uses for a complete definition of abnormality, because it inevitably
relates to context and degree. However, it does distinguish between desirable and undesirable
behaviour, which statistical infrequency fails to do. It also takes into account the impact of
behaviour on others, which means damaging behaviour is more likely to be classified.
As further evaluation, either definition of abnormality is also tied to the culture around them. In
the case of statistical infrequency, some behaviours may be more common in some cultures than
others; they are therefore culturally relative. Social norms are defined by culture so again any
classification could change based on culture; DSM classifications are based on Western norms but
applied elsewhere. This is an example of beta bias, and highlights that it is very difficult to have
universal standards for abnormality.
Key Method: Failure to Function Adequately
This refers to an inability to cope with everyday life and activities; eating, washing, working,
socialising etc. This may cause distress for others as well as the individual, an important distinction
as with many mental disorders the individual may not feel distressed at all. If there is no distress to
others or the individual through their actions, the behaviour is not considered abnormal. The DSM
includes an assessment of ability function based on six criteria:
Understanding and communicating
Getting around
Self-care
Getting along with people
Life activities
Participation in society
-Evaluation
A large problem here is the final judgement of adequate functioning. Someone, whether clinician or
otherwise, needs to make a call. The major difficulty is in deciding the level of distress to the
individual and others. Schizophrenics can seem very content, but dangerous schizophrenics might
not get help because of the judgement call. The weakness is therefore that the definition of an
abnormal individual depends on who is making the judgement.
Some distressing behaviour may also be functional or beneficial. Some mental disorders, such as
depression, can lead to extra attention. This attention may be rewarding and therefore the
behaviour, whilst distressing, helps contribute to functionality. Behaviour that distresses people is
essentially not necessarily negative, and therefore it may be flawed to label it abnormal.
However, this definition does recognise the subjective experience of the patient. This allows us to
view the mental disorder from the point of view of the person experiencing it. We can also address a
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