Concepts+of+normality+and+abnormality

=Examine the concepts of normality and abnormality=

//**Examine**: Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue.//


 * The outline below is written by a student group.**
 * What is your assessment of their argument?**
 * Grade this on the Paper 2 grading boundaries**
 * ** What score would you give it? **
 * ** Why? **
 * ** What would you add or change? **

**Introduction**
v There is no definition of normality and abnormality that is agreed on by all v **Thesis**: Because concepts of normality and abnormality are 1) ambiguous, definitions of normality and abnormality, each have strengths and limitations. 2) The concepts of normality and abnormality, along with their definitions vary with culture (social and cultural norms) and 3) change over time, and it is important to keep this in mind when examining mental disorders.

**Paragraph 1: Definitions of abnormality**

 * Topic Sentence**: Though there is no one universally agreed upon definition of normality and abnormality, criteria as a means of assessing mental health have been suggested as a starting point for diagnosis.
 * //However……….. (limitation with this?)//**

Butcher et al. created a list of concepts highlighting the elements of abnormality
 * Suffering
 * Maladaptiveness
 * Deviancy
 * Violation of the standards of society
 * Social discomfort
 * Irrationality and unpredictability

Many criteria for assessing mental health consider deviation from the norm as a basis for abnormality

Therein lies a limitation of definitions of abnormality, however, as statistical deviation does not necessarily suggest having a disorder.
 * Desire for Genius status
 * Some statistically normal behaviours are considered abnormal (depression)

Jahoda (1958) identified six characteristics of mental health (normal):
 * Efficient self-perception
 * Realistic self-esteem and acceptance
 * Voluntary control of behavior
 * True perception of the world
 * Sustaining relationships and giving affection
 * Self-direction and productivity

Although the list seems intuitively appealing, if the criteria were applied, most of us would seem somehow abnormal.
 * They are also largely value judgments.

Jahoda’s definitions are based on deviation from a norm, therefore, it is subjective. Some behaviors that deviate from the norm are desirable.
 * Especially in Jahoda’s criteria’s case, certain criteria would be interpreted differently across cultures. For example, not all cultures advocate overt displays of affection.

**Paragraph 2: Definitions of abnormality across cultures**

 * Topic Sentence:** It is also difficult to define abnormal behaviour because definitions of abnormality vary with culture as different cultural and social norms dictate what is viewed as normal or abnormal in a given society. The fact that classification systems of abnormal behavior are significantly influenced by culture and differ cross culturally is significant as it leads to over-pathologization


 * Some behaviours (e.g. schizophrenia, autism) are considered abnormal in most cultures, however other behaviours (e.g. depression) are more debatable.
 * Marsella and Yamada (2007) think a person’s cultural context is critical to considering the concepts of normality and abnormality.


 * Cultural considerations in diagnosis are necessary; no diagnosis is complete without these considerations.
 * CCMD-3 (Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders) is an example of a non-Western classification system (unlike the DSM-IV or ICD-10).
 * We must avoid decontextualizing disorders (Marsella and Yamada)
 * E.g. “Susto” versus depression in Spain

Although the symptoms are similar, the causes, expression, course, and treatment of the disorder are completely different. We cannot assume that just because the symptoms are similar, the disorders are the same.

When views change, definitions of abnormality changes, therefore, factors that are considered abnormal changes as well.

**Paragraph 3: Change over time**
Topic Sentence: Concepts of normality and abnormality also change over time. An example of changing view on abnormal behaviour: homosexuality
 * Gross (1996)
 * The orthodox view was that homosexuality was abnormal and older versions of the diagnostic system reflected that view.
 * In the UK, homosexuality between consenting adults was illegal until the 1960s.
 * The DSM-III declared that homosexuality is only abnormal if the individual has negative feelings about his/her sexual orientation. (Same in DSM-IV.)
 * People’s attitudes towards homosexuality have changed, and therefore homosexuality in itself cannot be considered abnormal and is no longer classified as such.


 * This illustrates the inherent problem in classifying what is normal and what is abnormal. **
 * Since social and cultural norms change over time, what is viewed as normal and abnormal is affected and changes with time.
 * This in turn again makes it difficult to define abnormality or normality, as definitions are often rendered obsolete as our perception of these concepts change.


 * Conclusion**

It is impossible to accurately define normality and abnormality, since the concepts change depending upon the cultural context and over time.