Definitions of abnormality

What is the definition of abnormality as statistical infrequency?

A behavior or characteristic is considered abnormal if it is numerically rare or statistically unusual in the population.

What is a real-world example of statistical infrequency being used in diagnosis?

Diagnosis of Intellectual Disability Disorder requires an IQ below 70 (bottom 2% of the population).

What is a key limitation of using statistical infrequency to define abnormality?

Unusual characteristics can be positive (e.g., high IQ) or negative, so statistical rarity alone is insufficient to define abnormality.

What is the definition of abnormality as deviation from social norms?

Behavior that violates the accepted standards of behavior in a society or culture.

What is a real-world example of deviation from social norms being used in diagnosis?

Antisocial Personality Disorder is diagnosed partly based on failure to conform to lawful and culturally normative ethical behavior.

What is a key limitation of using deviation from social norms to define abnormality?

Social norms vary across cultures and situations, leading to cultural and situational relativism in defining abnormality.

What is a key difference between these two definitions?

Statistical infrequency is objective and numerical, while deviation from social norms is subjective and based on cultural values.

What is the definition of abnormality as 'failure to function adequately'?

When a person is unable to cope with the ordinary demands of day-to-day living.