Individual DifferencesPsychological

Definitions of AbnormalityLesson 2

Lesson ObjectivesO To have a working knowledge of

deviation from Ideal mental health and its limitations.

O To have a general evaluation when defining abnormality definitions. And be able to give an example of shifting as well as solid and established definitions.

Definition 3Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

O Example what makes good mental health?

O Jahoda (1958) we define psychical illness in part by the absence of physical health. So through lit review she created 6 categories.

Ideal Mental Health1. Self attitudes- high esteem & sense of identity2. Personal growth and Self actualisation3. Resistance to stress - Integration and coping4. Personal Autonomy- Independent and

regulating5. Acute perception of reality – Excepting of your

enviroment6. Mastery of the environment - interpersonal

relationships, problem solving and adaptability.

(The absence of these indicates abnormality)

LimitationsClass Discussion

O Is it possible to be normal? “Yes, these are presented as an ideal, but what level do you need to reach”O How many ideals would you need to lack before

being judged as abnormal?O Can we judge psychical and mental health in

the same way? (pathogens)O Cultural relativism – most criteria are culture

boundO Self actualisation – they might lead us to seeing

higher rates of abnormality in particular culture groups.

General EvaluationA universal approach will raise problems. (I.D)1) most of us would be considered abnormal is maladjusted e.g: Mackay 75 most of us don’t achieve self actualisation. This shows a differences between statistical criteria and deviation from ideal mental health.2) They essentially reflect value judgements3) What is considered psychologically normal (abnormal depends on culture)

Examples of shifting definitions

O DSM II (1968) included homosexuality as sexual deviation.

O 1973 APA Committee (under pressure) recommended the category be replaced with ‘Sexual orientation disturbance’, This was to apply to those who were disturbed by, in conflict or wished to change their orientation.

O Dsm III (1980) refered to those who find homosexuality arousal a source of distress and became heterosexual.

O Homosexual hasn’t changed, but attitudes to it have.

Homework

Research a culture bound syndromeKoro for example:

Search on WikipediaThen write a small summary using.

Which sound include Origin, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koro_(medicine)