Individual Differences Psychological Definitions of Abnormality Lesson 2

Lesson Objectives O 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 3 Deviation 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 Health 1. Self attitudes- high esteem & sense of identity 2. Personal growth and Self actualisation 3. Resistance to stress - Integration and coping 4. Personal Autonomy- Independent and regulating 5. Acute perception of reality – Excepting of your enviroment 6. Mastery of the environment - interpersonal relationships, problem solving and adaptability. (The absence of these indicates abnormality)

Limitations Class 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 bound O Self actualisation – they might lead us to seeing higher rates of abnormality in particular culture groups.

General Evaluation A 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 judgements 3) 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 syndrome Koro for example: Search on Wikipedia Then write a small summary using. Which sound include Origin, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment,