Analysis of the Definitions of Abnormality

Analysis of the Definitions of Abnormality Abnormality can be described in many different ways but it is just whats not normal. The whole concept of abnormality is difficult to define and it comes in many forms that involve different features. Abnormal psychology is the division of psychology that studies people who are either abnormal or atypical, compared to members of a given society. There is also evidence that some psychological disorders are more common than some previously thought. There are different definitions of abnormality and they include: Deviation from social norms: Within every culture, there are different standards for what is seen as acceptable behaviour or socially acceptable norms. Norms are the expected ways to behave in a particular society according to the majority and for those who do not behave in such a way like everyone else is seen to break these norms. There are defined as abnormal. Social norms differ from culture to culture and what is seen as normal in one culture may be considered completely abnormal to another culture. This is an example of cultural relativism. For example in Southern Europe it is common to stand much closer to strangers, than in the UK. However, there are limitations with this definition and one is that norms can vary over-time. This means that behaviour that was seen as abnormal in one era is no longer defined as abnormal in another. An example of this is drink driving was once seen as acceptable but now it is seen as socially unacceptable. In contrast homosexuality is opposite to this. Up until 1980 homosex uality was considered a psychological disorder by the World Health Organisation (WHO), but today is considered acceptable. Failure to function adequately: Failure to function adequately (FFA) refers to the type of abnormality that prevents the individual from carrying out the different behaviours that society would expect from them. Examples of this include holding down a job, conducting successful relationships, and getting out of bed each day etc. If the person cannot cope with these demands of everyday life they are considered abnormal. Rosenhan and Seligman suggest there are seven characteristics that help define FFA and they are: unpredictably and loss of control, suffering, violates moral/social standards, irrationality, maladaptiveness (danger to self), causes of observer discomfort, and vividness and unconventionality (stands out). The strength of this definition is that is provides a practical checklist for the person to use to check their level of abnormality. However, the limitation of it is that FFA may not be linked to abnormality but to other factors such as their economic situation. Also, there are many people who take p art in harmful behaviour or is seen as threatening to one self however we do not class them as abnormal. This includes drinking alcohol, adrenaline sports, smoking and skipping classes etc. Statistical infrequency: This definition of abnormality comes under an individuals thinking, trait or behaviour. If these of the person are rare or statistically unusual, they are classified as abnormal. However, it needs to be clear how rare a behaviour or trait can be before it is classed as abnormal. For example, one person may say that if an individual who has an IQ score below or above the average level of IQ in society, they are seen as abnormal. The strength of this definition is that the statistical approach helps to address what is actually meant by normal in a statistical context. It aids us to make cut off points in terms of diagnosis. The limitations of this definition are that it fails to recognise desirable and undesirable behaviour. For the example of the IQ level being above the normal average, it wouldnt necessarily be seen as abnormal, but would be regarded as highly desirable. Conversely, obesity is seen as statistically normal but is not associated with desirable or healthy. As this definition implies that the presence of abnormal behaviour in people should be rare of statistically unusual, this is not the case. Any specific abnormal behaviour may well be unusual, but it is not unusual for people to exhibit some form of prolonged abnormal behaviour at some stage in their lives. Deviation from ideal mental health: Jahoda (1958) put forward six criteria necessary for ideal mental health and any absences of these characteristics indicted that the individual was abnormal, basically displaying deviation from the ideal mental health. The six criteria by which mental health could be measured are: Autonomy and independence Positive view of the self Accurate perception of reality Environmental mastery Positive friendships and relationships Capability for growth and development According to this given approach, the more of these six criteria are met, the healthier the individual will be. However, the limitations of this definition and theory are that it is very difficult for someone to meet the whole criteria and achieve all of the ideal characteristics all the time. For example, a person might not be able to have an environment mastery but are happy with their situation. There are very few people who can and this suggests that there are very few people who are psychologically healthy. The absence of this one criteria of ideal mental health does not indicate they are suffering from a mental disorder.

Martin Kuther King

â€Å"Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. , A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches â€Å"Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. â€Å"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. , I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World â€Å"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. ? Martin Luther King Jr. â€Å"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. â€Å"I have decided to stick to love†¦Hate is too great a burden to bear. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. , A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches â€Å"Let no man pul l you so low as to hate him. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. , A Knock at Midnight: Inspiration from the Great Sermons of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. â€Å"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. â€Å"Only in the darkness can you see the stars. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. â€Å"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. ?Martin Luther King Jr. â€Å"A man who won't die for something is not fit to live. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. , The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. â€Å"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of tr ue education. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. â€Å"Everybody can be great†¦ because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it, because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. â€Å"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. â€Å"No one really knows why they are alive until they know what they'd die for. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. â€Å"If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry.He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘ Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. â€Å"Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. â€Å"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. â€Å"I have a dream that one day little black boys and girls will be holding hands with little white boys and girls. † ? Martin Luther King Jr. , I Have A Dream http://www. goodreads. com/author/quotes/23924. Martin_Luther_King_Jr_

Unit 302 Level3 In Education And Training - 1634 Words

Unit 302 Level3 in Education and Training Task Ai a) Outline the key features of inclusive teaching and learning Inclusive learning is about ensuring all your learners have the opportunity to be involved and included in the learning process. It’s also about treating all learners equally and fairly, without directly or indirectly excluding anyone. Inclusion is about attitudes as well as behaviour, as learners can be affected by the words or actions of others. You are not teaching you’re subject to a group of learners who are all the same, but to a group of individuals with different experiences, abilities and needs which should be recognised and respected. Agreeing individual learning plans (ILPs) and/or action plans can help formalise†¦show more content†¦B Reflective account Even the best teachers can be apprehensive and nervous prior to the first day of teaching a group of new learners; this can be a frightening prospect for both teachers and learners alike. It is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure that the learner is put at ease as soon as possible when entering an alien environment. It is essential that a set of ground rules are put in place and explained why they are there. The purpose of using ground rules is to establish a shared understanding amongst a group, that everyone has the right to an opinion and a right to feel valued and respected. Ground rules establish acceptable boundaries, agreements and structures, which may guide a group to achieve its potential and promote mutual opportunities for everyone to reach their individual goals and aspirations. This should be done on the first meeting, so that all are aware of there responsibilities and the way they should be behaving whilst in the new environment. Some rules will be requirements for legal and safety reasons others will be there for the good and benefit of all participants. This could mean things like no swearing, arriving on time, let the teacher know if you intend to be late. One important ground rule is that no one should interrupt when one person is speaking; thereby reinforcing the notion that all individual views are important, valid and listened to. It is important to recognise that there

Student Loan Debt The American Dream Perceived By Many

Student Loan Debt The American dream perceived by many is to obtain a college degree to have a successful life. However, many people cannot afford to go to college and are left no choice but to get a student loan. Student loans are intended to help students pay for a higher education, but is it worth the risk of being in debt? The dictatorial definition of debt in the Merriam Webster’s dictionary as a state of being under obligation to pay or repay someone or something in return for something received (â€Å"Merriam-Webster†). A borrower is disadvantaged from the beginning of his or her career due to being bombarded with payments. In many cases, people drop out of school or are struggling to find jobs while they owe thousands of dollars in†¦show more content†¦Loans with interest increase rapidly and can affect one s credit score. Credit scores determine if an individual is eligible to buy a home, take out a car loan and obtain credit cards. Paying student loans on time demonstr ate to future lenders that you can be trusted to handle money responsibly. For example, my first semester of college, I took out a student loan with Nelnet of 5,700 dollars. Unfortunately, unforeseen hardships came abroad that caused me to lose my job and drop out of school. Within a year and a half, my loan went from 5,500 to 7,700 dollars. If I had paid attention to my grace period and correctly read the loan’s terms of agreements, I probably could have paid what I could afford towards my student loan. Instead, I chose to ignore my student loan and allowed it to accumulate with interest digging myself in a realm of debt. Next, as a society concerning student loan debt, I propose the cost of tuition should be lower. The price of college tuition varies due to many fees such as commutes, courses, housing, schools, and supplies. Sometimes student loans are not even enough to cover all college cost. For instance, does the student commute or live on campus? Is he or she attending a community college or a university? According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2016–2017 school year was $33,480 at private colleges, $9,650 for state residents at public colleges. (What’sShow MoreRelatedShould College Be A Professional Sports Athlete?1478 Words   |  6 PagesCollege can be perceived in two different ways: for most, the word inflicts fear into high school students around the nation; on the other hand, there are individuals that simply want to get away from home to party and live on their own. There is no sympathy for these students and it is just a waste of his o r her parent’s hard-earned money and trust. College is essential for a secure future and this has let colleges raise the tuition to astronomical heights. 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