Models of Abnormality
Models of abnormality
Abnormality is defined as a behaviour that deviates from the ideal social norm. One definition of abnormality is the failure to function adequately and are unable to meet their activities of daily living independently for example getting washed and dressed daily, being able to hold down a job and interacting with other people. It suggests that people should be able to achieve personal wellbeing and contribute to society. Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) identified there as being seven characteristics of abnormality these being suffering, maladaptiveness, vividness and unconventionality of behaviour, unpredictability and loss of control, irrationality and incomprehensibility, observer discomfort and violation of moral and ideal standards. If there appeared to be only one or two of these seven it was not a concern unless all appear to be seen. It is important to remember that it depends on the context whether the activity is considered abnormal or not.
The limitations of this definition are that suffering is considered a part of life and is not always meant to be maladaptive. Some also say that some abnormal behaviour may be adaptive and functional to each individual. It is also seen that most people commit some maladaptive behaviour to themselves like drinking, smoking and truanting. Sue et al (1994) said that people seeking psychiatric help suffer from distress and discomfort because of the mental illness. Miller and Morley (1986) said distress is why people go to seek help.
One of the models of abnormality is the biological model this is also known as the medical model and assumes that abnormal behaviour is as a result of a physical problem. This should be treated medically by either medication or surgery. It is focused on the genetics, biochemistry, neuroanatomy and infections. However the biological model is still the most dominant model by psychiatrists. Barr et al (1990) linked schizophrenia to the mother having a virus when she was
Abnormality is defined as a behaviour that deviates from the ideal social norm. One definition of abnormality is the failure to function adequately and are unable to meet their activities of daily living independently for example getting washed and dressed daily, being able to hold down a job and interacting with other people. It suggests that people should be able to achieve personal wellbeing and contribute to society. Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) identified there as being seven characteristics of abnormality these being suffering, maladaptiveness, vividness and unconventionality of behaviour, unpredictability and loss of control, irrationality and incomprehensibility, observer discomfort and violation of moral and ideal standards. If there appeared to be only one or two of these seven it was not a concern unless all appear to be seen. It is important to remember that it depends on the context whether the activity is considered abnormal or not.
The limitations of this definition are that suffering is considered a part of life and is not always meant to be maladaptive. Some also say that some abnormal behaviour may be adaptive and functional to each individual. It is also seen that most people commit some maladaptive behaviour to themselves like drinking, smoking and truanting. Sue et al (1994) said that people seeking psychiatric help suffer from distress and discomfort because of the mental illness. Miller and Morley (1986) said distress is why people go to seek help.
One of the models of abnormality is the biological model this is also known as the medical model and assumes that abnormal behaviour is as a result of a physical problem. This should be treated medically by either medication or surgery. It is focused on the genetics, biochemistry, neuroanatomy and infections. However the biological model is still the most dominant model by psychiatrists. Barr et al (1990) linked schizophrenia to the mother having a virus when she was