CBA931: In-depth Analysis of Psychological Abnormality Definitions

This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of psychological abnormality, beginning with an examination of how abnormality is defined, including spiritual perspectives and genetic vulnerabilities. It evaluates four definitions of abnormality—unusual behavior, statistical infrequency, and inability to function adequately—assessing their utility and limitations for mental health practitioners. The essay delves into the causes of schizophrenia from psychological and biological perspectives, focusing on stress theories, genetic factors, and neurotransmitter imbalances. It also addresses how gender and culture influence mental health and attitudes towards mental illness, emphasizing the need for culturally competent mental healthcare. The essay concludes by highlighting the importance of understanding gender-specific determinants and cultural perspectives in addressing mental health disorders. Desklib offers a variety of resources, including past papers and solved assignments, to aid students in their studies.

Running head: ABNORMALITY
ABNORMALITY
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note:

1
ABNORMALITY
Task 1:
Part a:
Despite the presence of mountain of literature, the abnormality has become one of the major
stigmas of society. Fullagar et al. (2017), highlighted that a considerable number of individual
with an abnormality such as mental illness become isolated for many years and died because of
lack of clinical attention. McDougall (2015), highlighted that religious beliefs play a huge role
in defining abnormality. The positive spiritual vision of the illness was that it is God's plan and it
consequently opens the spiritual acceptance of the illness. The negative spiritual vision of mental
illness is that a significant number of individuals with mental illness think that it is demonic
attribution to the illness. Cole et al. (2017) stated that a considerate number of individuals
narrated, “I think my illness is a test sent by God to put me on the right path” or “Illness is a gift
from God in order to help me to grow in spiritual life” which further indicated the positive
spiritual vision. On the other hand, considering the negative vision, 26% of the people narrated, “
My illness is a possession of a demon that forces me to mutilate myself”. The concept of
defining abnormality as a punishment of one’s sin is also prevalent for many decades which
further resulted in the reluctance of the seeking clinical attention and death (O'Reilly and Lester
2017). However, the population with little knowledge seem to define abnormality in terms of
genetic vulnerability or fragility. Consequently, this stigmatized concept created a contradiction
between their religions believes and taking medication which further contributed to the morbidity
rate.

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ABNORMALITY
Part B:
Definition of abnormality:
According to McDougall (2015), there are four definitions of the abnormality which includes
unusual behavior which is different from social norms, behavior which does not conform to
social expectations or demands, failure of individuals to function adequately and statistical
infrequency. Considering the primary diagnosis of the patient, mental illness evaluated based on
this definition.
Unusual behavior of individuals different from social norms:
Point: This definition assumed that unusual behavior of individuals different from social norms
is a measurement of abnormality.
Explanation: The mental health practitioners observe whether the person is behaving
abnormally such as having extreme anger, and delusion (Papp et al. 2015). These behaviors are
unusual then further proceed with the detailed diagnosis to confirm the specific mental illness.
Difficulties: While evaluating the behavior according to social norms the practitioners may face
hindrance because social norms are specific to culture, ethnicity, and race. For example, until
1973 homosexuality is defined as severe mental illness leading to several deaths because of
social stigma.

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ABNORMALITY
Statistical infrequency
Point: This definition assumed that Statistical infrequency is a measurement of abnormality.
Explanation: Mental health practitioners evaluate a patient depending on their statistical
infrequency such as IQ scores (Vazquez 2017).
Difficulties: However, Tackett et al. (2017), highlighted that statistically, high IQ is a rare
phenomenon which further indicated that lower or medium IQ score is not highlighted as
abnormalities.
Inability to function adequately:
Point: This definition assumes that inability to function adequately is a measurement of
abnormality.
Explanation: The practitioner may observe certain changes in the behavior such as speech
pattern, mobility issues, and delusions and confirm the disease (O'Reilly and Lester 2017).
Difficulties: since the inadequate functioning of the body can be observed due to other health
issues, confirming mental health issues based on definition is not reliable (Vazquez 2017).
Task 3:
Part A:
For this part, the chosen psychological disorder is schizophrenia. Although that exact cause of
schizophrenia is unknown Accumulated research highlighted that combination of physical,
genetic, psychological and environmental factors contributed to the development of