Psychology - Definitions of Abnormality

What is statistical infrequency

Looks at the number of times we observe something, the more we see something the more likely we are to see it as normal

by this definition any usual is seen as normal and any unusual behaviour occuring occasionally is seen as abnormal

What is deviation from social norms

Societies run on social norms, deviations from these social norms are seen as abnormal

when using this definition, if a person behaves in a way that deviates or is different from social norms, they are seen as abnormal

What is failure to function adequately

Circumstances when a person can no longer face the demands of everyday life

Rosenhan and Seligman proposed signs for failure to function adequately:

no longer conforming to standard interpersonal rules

severe personal distress

behaviour becomes irrational and dangerous to others

What is deviation from ideal mental health

Marie Jahoda’s criteria for idea mental health:

no symtoms of distress

we self-actualise

we have good self-esteem

we are independent of other people

we can cope with stress

Evaluation of Statistical infrequency

(+) Real life application

(-) Unusual characteristics can be positive

(-) Labels can be harmful

Evaluation of Deviation from social norms

(-) Ethnocentric

(-) Not a sole definition

(-) Can lead to the abuse of human rights

Evaluation of failure to function adequately

(+) Patient’s perspective - acknowedges the patients experience

(-) Is it simply a deviation from social norms

(-) Subjective judgements

Evaluation for deviation from ideal mental health

(+) It’s a comprehensive definition

(-) Cultural relativism

(-) Sets an unrealistically high standard for mental health