0.1 Definitions of Abnormality

what are the definitions of abnormality

• deviation from statistical norms

• deviation from social norms

• deviation from ideal mental health

• failure to function adequately

what is deviation from statistical norms

behaviour is abnormal if it statistically rare

what is deviation from social norms

behaviour is abnormal if it goes against common beliefs, values, norms in society

what is meant by deviation from ideal mental health 

abnormal if they don’t meet the criteria laid out by Jahoda 

Jahodas criteria for ideal mental health 

• resistance to stress 

• growth, development, self-actualisation

• high self-esteem and strong sense of identity 

• autonomy 

• accurate perception of reality 

what is meant by failure to function adequately

abnormal if you cannot complete everyday tasks

• distress

• unpredictability

• irrationality

• maladaptive behaviours

• violating moral standards

• observer discomfort

strength of deviation from social norms

• establishes what is ‘normal’

• helps people - can identify who easily needs help

limitations of deviation from social norms

• subjective 

• norms change over time - homosexuality 

• cultural bias 

strengths of deviation from ideal mental health

• holistic

• helps target areas to work on - free will to improve

limitation of deviation from ideal mental health

• too demanding - hard to meet all at the same time

• subjective - hard to measure

• cultural variation

strengths of deviation from statistical norms

• objective 

• no bias

• not saying something good or bad just less frequent 

limitations of statistical norms

• not all rare behaviours need fixing, but might be desirable

• not all abnormal behaviours are infrequent - 10% will be chronically depressed

strengths of failure to function adequately

• assesses degree of abnormality - more features of dysfunction = more abnormality

• easily judged observable behaviours

limitations of failure to function adequately 

• not all abnormalities show dysfunction