Abnormality Dimensional Analysis Essay Assignment Paper

Abnormality can be described in many different ways but it is just what’s not normal. The whole concept of abnormality is difficult to define and it comes in many forms that involve different features.

Abnormal psychology is the division of psychology that studies people who are either ‘abnormal’ or ‘atypical’, compared to members of a given society. There is also evidence that some psychological disorders are more common than some previously thought.Abnormality Dimensional Analysis

There are different definitions of abnormality and they include:

Within every culture, there are different standards for what is seen as acceptable behaviour or socially acceptable norms. Norms are the expected ways to behave in a particular society according to the majority and for those who do not behave in such a way like everyone else is seen to break these norms. There are defined as abnormal. Social norms differ from culture to culture and what is seen as normal in one culture may be considered completely abnormal to another culture.Abnormality Dimensional Analysis This is an example of cultural relativism. For example in Southern Europe it is common to stand much closer to strangers, than in the UK. However, there are limitations with this definition and one is that norms can vary over-time. This means that behaviour that was seen as abnormal in one era is no longer defined as abnormal in another. An example of this is drink driving was once seen as acceptable but now it is seen as socially unacceptable. In contrast homosexuality is opposite to this. Up until 1980 homosexuality was considered a psychological disorder by the World Health Organisation (WHO), but today is considered acceptable.

Failure to function adequately (FFA) refers to the type of abnormality that prevents the individual from carrying out the different behaviours that society would expect from them. Examples of this include holding down a job, conducting successful relationships, and getting out of bed each day etc. If the person cannot cope with these demands of everyday life they are considered abnormal. Rosenhan and Seligman suggest there are seven characteristics that help define FFA and they are: unpredictably and loss of control, suffering, violates moral/social standards, irrationality, maladaptiveness (danger to self), causes of observer discomfort, and vividness and unconventionality (stands out). The strength of this definition is that is provides a practical checklist for the person to use to check their level of abnormality. However, the limitation of it is that FFA may not be linked to abnormality but to other factors such as their economic situation.Abnormality Dimensional Analysis Also, there are many people who take part in harmful behaviour or is seen as threatening to one self however we do not class them as abnormal. This includes drinking alcohol, adrenaline sports, smoking and skipping classes etc.

This definition of abnormality comes under an individual’s thinking, trait or behaviour. If these of the person are rare or statistically unusual, they are classified as abnormal. However, it needs to be clear how rare a behaviour or trait can be before it is classed as abnormal. For example, one person may say that if an individual who has an IQ score below or above the average level of IQ in society, they are seen as abnormal.

The strength of this definition is that the statistical approach helps to address what is actually meant by normal in a statistical context. It aids us to make cut off points in terms of diagnosis.

The limitations of this definition are that it fails to recognise desirable and undesirable behaviour. For the example of the IQ level being above the normal average, it wouldn’t necessarily be seen as abnormal, but would be regarded as highly desirable. Conversely, obesity is seen as statistically normal but is not associated with desirable or healthy. As this definition implies that the presence of abnormal behaviour in people should be rare of statistically unusual, this is not the case. Any specific abnormal behaviour may well be unusual, but it is not unusual for people to exhibit some form of prolonged abnormal behaviour at some stage in their lives.

Jahoda (1958) put forward six criteria necessary for ideal mental health and any absences of these characteristics indicted that the individual was abnormal, basically displaying deviation from the ideal mental health. The six criteria by which mental health could be measured are:Abnormality Dimensional Analysis

Autonomy and independence
Positive view of the self
Accurate perception of reality
Environmental mastery
Positive friendships and relationships
Capability for growth and development

According to this given approach, the more of these six criteria are met, the healthier the individual will be.

However, the limitations of this definition and theory are that it is very difficult for someone to meet the whole criteria and achieve all of the ideal characteristics all the time. For example, a person might not be able to have an ‘environment mastery’ but are happy with their situation. There are very few people who can and this suggests that there are very few people who are psychologically healthy. The absence of this one criteria of ideal mental health does not indicate they are suffering from a mental disorder.

What is abnormality? Who decides what abnormal behaviour? Is the society we live in deciding what normal is? People are very interesting to observe; especially when they are faced with situations they do not understand or are out of their comfort zone. People are very quick to pass judgement on others who clearly behave differently and which is deemed unacceptable in our society. Why is it unacceptable? Who decides what is normal and if it is acceptable. The difference between normal and abnormal behaviour is not one that is easily distinguishable.Abnormality Dimensional Analysis

Looking back in history thousands of years, abnormal behaviour was seen in many different ways. Ancient Egypt and also within Christian Churches, they believed evil spirits or demons has possessed the bodies of people who were thought to be acting abnormal. These possessed people were treated to the higest point of suffering where the evil spirits or demons were thought to leave the body. Flogging or starvation was common and also a procedure called trepanning was carried out. This is where a hole was made in the top of the skull with the expectation the evil spirit would exit by. The 1800’s saw the introduction of asylums for anyone showing the symptoms of the ‘illness’ lunacy. Asylums were appalling places. However, all persons showing mental illness were sent there and treated with corporal punishment and such cruelty. In the 1900’s, there was overcrowding issues in asylums. It was thought that very little could be done to help these people. One of the many treatments in the asylums was to be sat, tied to a revolving chair, which spun at high speed, with a hope to quieten the patient down

Through all these centuries there have been many philosophers whose theories have been expanded on throughout the ages. The turn of the 17th century, saw the influential philosopher, Thomas Hobbes theory on human nature.Abnormality Dimensional Analysis The state of nature depicted conditions in the absence of political power or authority (highbeam.com). Hobbes’ theory suggested that human nature is being naturally competitive and violent. However, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who was an 18th century philosopher, had a contrasting theory suggesting that a natural man is one living in harmony with nature (science.jrank.org). Theories on human nature continued and it was not until the 19th century, psychologist started to research what the term ‘normal behaviour’ was and what is meant by normal behaviour in a society. There have been many theories published and some are used today and also some were deemed unethical. One in particular was the Rosenhan study which took place in 1973. This study saw Rosenhan and seven other ‘normal’ subjects, present themselves to several different psychiatric hospitals in five different states in America (Tracey Cullis et al, p181). The aim of this research was to gain admission to the hospital by explaining they could hear voices. Once they were admitted, the subjects acted normally and denied hearing voices. The outcome of the study saw all eight subjects admitted and diagnosed with schizophrenia with the exception of one. However, the staff had already labelled the subjects as insane and once the research was explained to the hospital staff and they were released, the final diagnosis was schizophrenia in remission.

Abnormality can be defined in many ways in today’s society and cultures. The importance of understanding what is classed as abnormal so normality can be adhered to in society. In most theories, cultural difference (socio-cultural) does play a role, as individuals sense of self is influenced by the culture they live by, which has been suggested by the likes of Freud.

The statistical norm definition of abnormal behaviour is classed as abnormal if it is rare: in behaviour, thinking or trait.Abnormality Dimensional Analysis A ‘normal’ individual is simply classed as average: behaving in an average manner. However, life would be average if everyone was the same instead of a deviation of the statistical norm. If this was true, then we may not have had the likes of Einstein, as the quote says “a genius is one step from madness” (unknown).Both mental retardation and genius are both classed as statistically rare. However, limitations occur on how rare is rare by this definition. There are no clear boundaries set for rare behaviour, as an individuals rare behaviour may be classed as abnormal, but in another individual, it may be classed as quirky behaviour.

The social norm definition is defined as behaviour being abnormal if it does not conform to social rules. For example: a person whose thinking and/or behaviour being classed as abnormal because it violates the social rules of what is acceptable behaviour in a social group or culture. This behaviour or thinking of this individual may make others within society or culture, feel uncomfortable or threatened. Therefore, their behaviour is judged as abnormal. Limitations with regards to what other people consider what is or is not acceptable. With this in mind, this definition could be used as a means to social control individuals. Additionally, this may include imposing standards of others on to individuals. Behaviour that is seen as unacceptable in today’s society may be acceptable in other cultures. Behaviour such as: women exposing their breasts in public in the western world would be seen as abnormal behaviour. It would indeed make people feel uncomfortable. This is currently been an issue with breastfeeding mothers feeding their babies in a public place. However, in other cultures, tribal women only cover their bottom half, leaving their breasts exposed. This is the social norm for this culture and is not classed as abnormal.

Maladaptive is defined as behaviour that is abnormal if it physically or psychologically affects the individual ability to cope with life, or affects other individuals.Abnormality Dimensional Analysis The range of abnormal behaviour that falls into this criteria may be anything from a violent individual to someone with phobias or a condition like OCD( obsessive compulsive disorder), which prevents them from functioning normally. Rohsenhan and Seligman (1989) suggested the characteristics of failure to function in and adequate manner are: suffering, maladaptiveness (danger to self), vividness & unconventionality (stands out), unpredictably & loss of control, irrationality/incomprehensibility, and causes observer discomfort and violates moral/social standards (simply psychology).Limitations of this abnormal behaviour criterion may effect the human rights of the individual. By this we mean by discrimination and trying to use social control. Furthermore, judging individuals behaviour because they are not acting in the same way as others in society and this may stigmatise a person if their symptoms are overanalysed.

The mental illness definition that describes symptoms of illness which is abnormal. This can be shown in a variety of ways or symptoms. Szasz (1961) argued that the concept of mental illness is a myth, as the term ill implies there is something physically wrong (cullis et al, p182). He suggested that the mind is not physical and therefore it cannot be classed as being ill. However, diagnosis of mental illnesses can differ from psychologists in different countries; no two diagnoses are the same. Therefore, classification was needed to clarify disorders. Kraepelin (1896) was a German psychiatrist who research into mental disorders influenced the development of classification systems which are used today.

Two of the major systems are DSM (DSM-IV) and ICD (ICD-10). The DSM is mainly used in America and is the 4th version and has many more categories and was first printed in 1982 with 60 disorders. Recent versions show approximately 300 disorders. ICD is the European manual (includes Britain). Some of the early disorders have been removed due to more understanding and research and they are no longer considered a disorder of mental health. Both these manuals define a disorder along the guidelines of clinical symptoms. Once a diagnosis has been attained, treatment will then be decided for the patient. However, diagnosis using the classification system was not always reliable because of lack of consistency and disagreements among the professionals. Therefore, many trials to verify the reliability and validity of the manuals have been carried out.Abnormality Dimensional Analysis

The categories within the classifications state whether symptoms are associated with the particular disorder are: biological, cognitive or psychological. However, research suggests that within the classification of disorders, certain sub-cultural groups are more at risk of developing them more than others. For example; age, gender, poverty or ethnic origin. This is where influences are looked at.

Biological model of abnormality could mean hormonal imbalance, childbirth, menopause or genetics. It basically defines it as abnormal behaviour that is of consequence of a physical illness, which the sufferer has no real control over. Biological disorders are often treated with the use of prescribed medication or possibly electro-convulsive therapy (ECT). Drugs have proven invaluable but some treatments have unpleasant side effects and only alleviate symptoms of the disorder, which means they do not resolve the fundamental cause. Drug treatments are normally anti depressants or sometimes beta blockers. Anti depressants work by keeping the mood level at a constant, without highs or lows, this alleviates the mood swings. Beta blockers work by keeping the heart rate regulated which alleviates the anxiety feeling and other symptoms. Therapy is found to be the most productive and successful option of treatment. It is expensive and time consuming. However, individuals taking anti-depressants, may become heavily reliant on the medication, which would lead to problems weaning themselves off the prescribed medication. This too is a long process.

An example for biological is the condition bi-polar which is also known as manic depression.Abnormality Dimensional Analysis Mania is the highs and the depression the lows. However, it is not as clear cut as that. Bipolar has the ability to produce extreme episodes for several weeks. There are many complex factors involved, such as physical, social and envoi mental. However, the cause is not understood. What is understood is the belief that bipolar is a chemical imbalance in the brain. What this means is; the neurotransmitters( norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine),which are the chemicals that are responsible for controlling the functions of the brain, fail to do their job if one or more of these have an imbalanced level. This in turn results in symptoms of bipolar. If norepinephrine levels are too high, this causes mania and if they are too low depression occurs.

Bipolar symptoms also have a genetic link so it becomes more significant to being a family member of someone who has bipolar. It is thought to have envoi mental triggers rather than a single gene. This could be a stressful situation: mental/physical abuse, death or relationship breakdown. Additionally, everyday stresses like money or work can also be a factor. Physical illness can also be the cause of the onset of an episode. Once a diagnosis has been determined by a psychiatrist, treatment will then be chosen which is suitable for your needs. This could be the drug lithium carbonate, which is prescribed for about 6 months. However, this may cause side effects if the wrong dose is taken. Lithium is a long-term means of treatment for episodes of mania, hypomania, and depression. Other treatments may be, if very severe, hospital treatment or hospitalisation under the mental health act may be required. Psychological treatment may be offered, which is talking through the depression finding the trigger or root cause. Furthermore, exercise is a good treatment.

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Abnormality Dimensional Analysis Essay Assignment Paper