Research project

Aims & objectives of unit 4
Unit 4 content & assessment
One hour exam: Definitions & models of abnormality; eating disorders (anorexia/bulimia nervosa)
Independent research project & presentation: one abnormal behaviour (eg, depression, schizophrenia, OCD, addiction)
1

Unit 4 – evening class
Assessment:
2000 word essay/report (2500 word max)
“Critically discuss the aetiology of eating disorders from two perspectives”
Outline symptoms of AN & BN
Apply one definition of abnormality
Select, discuss & apply two (models) explanations of eating disorders
Evaluate effectiveness of explanations with reference to recovery rates/treatments etc

Aims & objectives of lesson
Understand a range of definitions of abnormality
Be able to identify factors that affect definitions of abnormality
Be able to describe one definition of abnormality & it’s associated limitations
Produce an effective revision poster

2

Defining abnormality
Write “N” on one side of your whiteboard & “A” on the other (N = normal; A = abnormal)
For each of the following behaviours indicate whether you think the behaviour is normal (N) or abnormal (A) by holding up the appropriate letter on your whiteboard.

3

Defining abnormality
Playing volleyball in the nude
Running through the streets dressed like a chicken
Having a same-sex relationship
Believing in reincarnation
Sitting in the middle of the road in front of oncoming traffic
Suggest factors that may affect your perception of these behaviours
4

Factors affecting abnormality
At a nudist camp – everyone else is in the nude!
When running a marathon – many people dress up for charity
DSM-111 (1980) no longer defined homosexuality as a mental disorder
Buddhists believe in reincarnation
When taking part in a demonstration people may sit in the road to obstruct traffic
5

Factors affecting abnormality
Context
Religion
Culture
Legal framework
Temporal (historical) factors
Gender
Age
For each of the above try to think of one example
6

Definition of abnormality
Behaviour that is considered to deviate from the norm (statistical or social), or ideal mental health. It is dysfunctional because it is harmful or causes distress to the individual or others and so is considered to be a failure to function adequately.

7

Statistical infrequency
Focus on frequency/rarity
If few people show thinking/behaviour then behaviour is abnormal
By definition abnormality means “deviating from the norm or average”
Example – if average height is 5’8” then 3’3” or 7’2” would be considered abnormal
8

Limitations of statistical infrequency
Definition fails to distinguish between rare desirable/undesirable behaviours
Doesn’t take account of cultural variations
Some types of mental illness increasing (eg, depression) therefore are not particularly rare – but still considered abnormal

9

Deviation from social norms
Societal standards/norms govern behaviour
Behaviour that breaks normal conventions would be abnormal
Socially incomprehensible/deviant behaviours seen as abnormal
Example – queuing is normal in UK, therefore it’s “normal” to stand in line for bus, bank etc
10

Deviation from social norms
Culturally/temporally bound
Many behaviours are statistically frequent but considered abnormal according to this definition, eg, dropping litter, riding bike without lights, trespassing, lying about age
Depends on context
Can be good to break with norms (eg, freedom fighters opposing apartheid)
11

Failure to function adequately
People who cannot cope with demands of everyday life (getting up, getting dressed) are seen as abnormal
People should achieve some sense of personal well-being & contribute to a larger social group

12

Rosenhan & Seligman (1989)
identified 7 characteristics of abnormality:suffering, maladaptiveness, vividness & unconventionality of behaviour, unpredictability & loss of control, irrationality & incomprehensibility, observer discomfort & violation of moral & ideal standards

13

Limitations of failure to function
Involves making value judgements about others as to what constitutes failure
The person themselves may not think they have a problem (eg, may elect not to get dressed)
Suffering is part of life & is not always maladaptive
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Deviation from ideal mental health
Focuses on what is considered normal/healthy
View stems from humanistic approach (eg, Maslow; Rogers); self-actualisation seen as goal for humans
Rogers (1959) – client-centred therapy – role of conditional love & conflict between self-concept & ideal self; unconditional positive regard from significant others leads to high self-esteem & acceptance
15

Jahoda (1958)
Self-attitudes: high self-esteem
Personal growth: inc. self-actualisation
Integration: of above
Autonomy: independent of social influences
Perception of reality: free from need-distortion & high in empathy/sensitivity
Environmental mastery: successful/well adapted; ability to love; adequacy at work/play etc
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