Concepts of abnormality
In this essay we will analyse the examples provided in the assignment task. We will attempt to link the examples to appropriate abnormality definitions and explain the reasons for each example.
Firstly, we look at example one. This individual is best described as mildly failing to function adequately. This is based on the reactions of the individual in both physical and emotional reactions, when faced with the image of a snake. Even still in some situations a fear of snakes could be seen as beneficial or common.
However, the regularity of contact with images or live snakes is minimal in this situation and shouldn’t affect day to day function. Statistically it is fare to say that this individual would be seen as normal based on the fact that a phobia of snakes is relatively common. From a social perspective it is regarded as normal to have a healthy fear of snakes. The point to which associated behaviours become extreme and abnormal is dependent on the situation and the social group. In its current state the phobia could be seen as not deviating on ideal mental health.
Now we look at example two. This individual could be classified as deviating from ideal mental health, a number of characteristics that deem an individual as ‘normal’ are lacking, such as the individual is lacking an accurate perception of reality and in environmental mastery, the individual never leaves the house based on his paranoid beliefs. Therefore a failure to function is also evident. However, all four definitions could apply to this individual as the behaviours are both rare as socially unacceptable.
Now we look at example three. The individual in example three could be described as displaying features of all four abnormality definitions as the behaviour is relatively rare. Further still the behaviour could be seen as socially abnormal based on the ritualistic behaviour. These characteristics are also statistically uncommon. Furthermore, interaction with...