definitions of abnormality

what are the 4 definitions of abnormality

• deviation from social norms

• failure to function adequately

• deviation from ideal mental health

• statistical infrequency

deviation from social norms definition

a persons thinking or behaviour is classified as abnormal if it violates the norms of society

failure to function adequately definition

behaviour is abnormal if it prevents a person from leading a normal everyday and functional life

Rosenhan and Seligman: characteristics to define failure to function

personal distress: suffering with a disorder

maladaptive behaviour: behaviour which prevents people from achieving major life goals

unpredictable behaviour: the behaviour of abnormal people is often very variable

irrational behaviour: others cannot understand why anyone would choose to behave this way

observer discomfort: observers to the behaviour are made uncomfortable by it

deviation from ideal mental health definition

when someone does not meet the set criteria for good mental health

Jahoda’s 6 categories of ideal mental health

• positive attitude towards oneself

• self actualisation

• autonomy

• resisting stress

• accurate perception of reality

• environmental mastery

statistical infrequency definition

when an individual has less common characteristics and is statistically rare