Monday, December 30, 2019

Defining Abnormality Essay - 736 Words

Defining Abnormality All of the definitions of abnormality that we have studied, have been culturally specific, meaning that, what may possibly be classed as normal in one culture, could be classed as extremely abnormal to another. This problem of cultural relativism limits the definitions accuracy in being able to define abnormality as a whole. It is near impossible to make an absolute statement about what is normal, or abnormal in human behaviour, purely because of cultural factors. The four definitions we studied do not take cultural differences into account. The Statistical Infrequency definition groups people together, based on certain measured characteristics, and put this†¦show more content†¦This definition treats people as individuals, and deals with internal, rather than external factors, and also deals with emotions rather than statistics, which makes it more personal, yet is still doesnt overcome the problem of culture. Some cultures may affect people fitting these criteria, yet this doesnt mean that they are abnormal, or have a bad state of mental health. The last definition we studied was Failure To Function Adequately. This definition suggests that when peoples behaviour interferes with their daily functioning, and they do not function adequately, then they are abnormal. This definition realises that there is a higher incidence of psychological problems among people from a minority group, however this may be due to their more stressful life experiences, and so even this definition doesnt bring culture as a whole into the equation. Cultural relativism is the ability to view the beliefs and customs of other people within the context of their culture rather than their own. Some people see those from other cultures, and see what they do or believe in as abnormal, purely because it is differentShow MoreRelatedDefining Abnormality1408 Words   |  6 PagesDefining Abnormality Paper Sabrina Koppen University Of Phoenix Robert Irizarry PSY 410 Abnormal Psychology August 11, 2008 Defining Abnormality Paper As William is walking down the street he notices a young woman walking toward him having a full conversation. Technology, Bill thought to himself, thinking that the young woman has one of those blue tooth ear pieces in her ear. Once Bill is close enough to get a clear view he realizes that the young woman is not on the phone but indeedRead More Defining Abnormality Essay2201 Words   |  9 PagesDefining Abnormality One way of defining abnormality is in terms of characteristics or behaviours that are statistically infrequent (the deviation from statistical norms definition). 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