Defining Abnormality Essay -- Papers

Defining Abnormality One way of defining abnormalcy is in terms of marks or behaviors that are statistically infrequent (the remainder from statistical norms definition). However, this does not take into account the desirability of a characteristic or demeanour. The definition also fails to recognise that in all cultures commodious numbers of people whitethorn engage in behaviours that constitute psychogenic disorders. A further problem is the trouble to identify how far a person must deviate before being abnormal. such decisions are difficult to make and then consequently justify. The deviation from idol mental health definition proposes that abnormal people do not possess characteristics that mental healthy people do, or possess characteristics that mentally healthy peopl e do not. This particular definition relies on honour judgements about what constitutes ideal mental health. It is also bound by culture, era-dependent, and hold in by the context in which behaviour occurs. Abnormality has also been be as a failure to function adequately (by not achieving few sense of personal well-being and making some contribution to a larger social group). Experiencing personal sorrow or discomfort, causing distress to others, and behaving in an unexpected or bizarre manner are often the reasons why people come to the attention of psychologists. Many consider the failure to function adequately definition as being the most effectual single approach, and the one clo... ...ly rational, and reflect accurately the unfortunate circumstances in which a person is living. Attempts to put the blame on to the patient may inhibit efforts to produce desirable behaviour. Each of the models explain the origins of abnormality in different ways. However, these models are not necessarily mutually exclusive, since each is effectively examining a different aspect of the individual. The biological model observes that learned behaviour can be maladaptive whilst the cognitive model claims that thoughts can be irrational and therefore also maladaptive. The behaviourist model states that abnormal behaviour is learnt in the same way as other types of behaviour through and through stimulus-response mechanisms and operant conditioning. Each of the models is subject to certain practical and ethical considerations also.