This area of the specification is concerned with how was would identify and define someone as having an abnormality - there are 3 different definitions you can choose from and you need to know all 3 definitions, an example of how they'd link to a disorder and their limitations.
Below are the handouts provided in lesson and the powerpoint we went through as a class
1. Deviation from Social Norms - relates to how society expects us to behave
The DSN definition links to the disorder Tourettes - this is because the characteristics of Tourettes syndrome can include loud vocal outbursts of inappropriate comments in public - this breaks implicit social norms
2. Failure to Function Adequately - relates to the presence of 5 specific criteria
The FFA definition links to the disorder Depression - this is because the characteristics of Depression can cause Personal Distress, Observer Distress and Irrational Behaviour (e.g. not being able to get out of bed) - this means an individual would have the FFA criteria, making them 'abnormal'
3. Deviation from Ideal Mental Health - relates to the absence of 5 specific criteria
The DIMH definition links to the disorder OCD - this is because the characteristics of OCD are indicative that the individual isn't Resistant to Stress and in unable to be Autonomous - this means an individual would lack the DIMH criteria, making them 'abnormal'
The powerpoint below along with the comments above will guide you through the class notes to enable you to complete the sheets above if they are missing from your Psychology notes
