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What are the weaknesses of using deviation from ideal mental health to define abnormality

User Sandman
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Final answer:

Using deviation from ideal mental health to define abnormality has weaknesses such as being subjective, pathologizing normal experiences, and disregarding social and environmental factors.

Step-by-step explanation:

One weakness of using deviation from ideal mental health to define abnormality is that it is a subjective measure that can vary across cultures and societies. What is considered abnormal in one culture may be considered normal in another. For example, homosexuality was once classified as a mental disorder but is now widely accepted as a normal variant of human behavior.

Another weakness is that it pathologizes normal human experiences and behaviors. Everyone experiences stress, sadness, and anxiety at times, but these emotions do not necessarily indicate mental illness. The deviation from ideal mental health model may label these common experiences as abnormal and in need of treatment.

Furthermore, this model fails to consider the social and environmental factors that contribute to mental health. It solely focuses on individual characteristics and ignores the impact of societal norms and inequalities on mental well-being.

User SarahR
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