Outline two definitions of abnormality and Give two criticisms of the definitions mentioned in your first answer.

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Psychology Homework for 26/09/2003

  1. Outline two definitions of abnormality
  2. Give two criticisms of the definitions mentioned in your answer to question a                O        Out

Answer a + b part (i)

Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

‘Deviation from optimal psychological well-being (a state of contentment that we all strive to achieve). Deviation is characterised by a lack of positive self-attitudes, personal growth, autonomy, accurate view of reality, environmental mastery, and resistance to stress; all of which prevent the individual from accessing their potential, which is known as self-actualisation.’ (Psychology for AS Level – Michael W. Eysenck)

This is the view that abnormality is related to the lack of a “contented existence”. This is a view is put forward by humanistic psychologists (for example Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow). They both felt that a key standard and goal for human endeavour is self-actualisation. One advantage of this approach is that it focuses on positive characteristics. Rather than illness this slant concentrates on health.

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A criticism of the definition given for ‘deviation from ideal mental health’ is that it is dependant on an ideal. This perspective requires specification of what ‘ideal’ mental health is. Falling short of this specified ideal is an indication of mental illness. A person may be defined as "abnormal" even if they seem to be functioning all right. From this perspective, we are all striving for some ideal (personal or cultural), and many of us will never reach it. We all at some point deviate from or fall short of the ideal. So, in this sense, we are all ...

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