Definitions of Abnormality (AQA A Level Psychology): Exam Questions

Briefly evaluate the deviation from the ideal mental health definition of abnormality.

Dave wants to achieve what he thinks of as the perfect body and will often visit the gym up to three times a day. He finds it difficult to concentrate in the office as he is constantly thinking about his next workout. Even though his friends tell him he looks great, Dave worries his body shape is inferior compared to the other men at the gym.

Briefly outline the deviation from ideal mental health definition of abnormality. Refer to Dave in your answer.

Another way of defining abnormality is failure to function adequately.

Evaluate the failure to function adequately definition of abnormality.

Rob is a sixth form student who has started hearing voices in his head. The voices come often, are usually threatening and make Rob feel frightened. The voices are making it difficult for Rob to complete his homework properly, and he is worried about how this may affect his chances of going to university. Rob has not told anyone about his experiences, but his parents and teachers have noticed that he appears distracted, anxious and untidy.

Outline and evaluate failure to function adequately and deviation from ideal mental health as definitions of abnormality. Refer to the experiences of Rob in your answer.

Agoraphobia is an extreme fear of open or public spaces. It affects less than 1% of adults in the UK. In many cases, people with agoraphobia are unable to leave their homes and may not even be able to look outside, perceiving threats everywhere. The condition is very stressful for the individual, and for their family, and may prevent sufferers from living a normal life and achieving their potential.

Referring to the description above, outline three definitions of abnormality.

Discuss statistical infrequency and deviation from social norms as definitions of abnormality.

Describe the statistical infrequency and failure to function adequately definitions of abnormality.

The following article appeared in a magazine:

Hoarding disorder – A ‘new’ mental illness

Most of us are able to throw away the things we don’t need on a daily basis. Approximately 1 in 1000 people, however, suffer from hoarding disorder, defined as ‘a difficulty parting with items and possessions, which leads to severe anxiety and extreme clutter that affects living or work spaces’.

Apart from ‘deviation from ideal mental health’, outline three definitions of abnormality. Refer to the article above in your answer.

Outline and evaluate one definition of abnormality.