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What is one strength of "deviation from mental health" as a definition of abnormality?

a. It considers the cultural context of behavior.
b. It offers clear and objective criteria.
c. It ignores individual suffering.
d. It relies solely on statistical data.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

One strength of the 'deviation from mental health' definition of abnormality is that it provides clear and objective criteria for what may be considered 'normal' or 'healthy' mental functioning, although it does not inherently consider cultural context.

Step-by-step explanation:

One strength of "deviation from mental health" as a definition of abnormality is b. It offers clear and objective criteria. This criterion is based on the understanding from the field of psychology that there are some common features of mental health that can be considered 'normal' or 'healthy.' These features might include feeling relatively happy, being able to cope with everyday stresses, maintaining fulfilling relationships, and having a sense of autonomy. This definition frames abnormality as the deviation from these typical psychological benchmarks that contribute to functional daily living. However, while the definition offers clear criteria, it is important to note that the notion of "deviation" does not inherently account for cultural context. In contrast, the cultural concepts of distress (CCD), as per the DSM-5, incorporate the understanding of suffering and mental illness within a cultural framework, advocating for cultural sensitivity in diagnosing mental illness. Nevertheless, the definition of "deviation from mental health" strives to set a generally objective baseline for abnormality, regardless of cultural circumstances.

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