Definitions of Abnormality

Psychopathology

Means a mental disorder. DSM is the used set of criteria to define unusual behaviour.

The four criteria for defining abnormality

Created by Rosenhan and Seligman

• Statistical Infrequency

• Failure to Function Adequately

• Deviation from Social Norms

• Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

Statistical infrequency

If behaviour is rare then it is abnormal. This is a positive as it measures abnormality in an objective way, more reliable. In addition, measurement is necessary for for diagnosis. However, the cut off points are arbitrary, it ignores desirability of behaviour and relies on up-to-date and accurate statistics

Deviation from social norms

Behaviour that deviates from norms is considered abnormal and could be a sign of a person suffering from a mental disorder.

Evaluation of Deviation from Social Norms- Cultural relativism

Norms differ over time and place. Therefore definitions of abnormality change too. Example being homosexuality.

Evaluation of Deviation from Social Norms- Context and Degree

Criterion is not an objective one. Depends on context and degree.

Evaluation of Deviation from Social Norms- strength

It can distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviour

Failure to function adequately: Maladaptive behaviour

It interferes with an individuals ability to lead a normal, everyday life. Example maintainingg employment and relationships

Personal distress

If behaviour causes distress to the individual or others it can prevent someone functioning adequately.

Evaluation of FFA- Respects the individual

Some behaviours, like drug addiction, are seen as pathological by other criteria, but the individual may still maintain their job and relationship

Second advantage of FFA

It can be measured by the WHODAS questionnaire. However, some psychiatrists think this is relaible but not valid

Cultural Relativism and context

Cultural relativism is what is considered adequate in one culture is not necessarily adequate in another. Also, it depends on context is when someone is defined as mentally ill may depend on the ability to cope of their family and employers.

Deviation from ideal mental health

Marie Jahoda’s formula of ideal mental health:

• Positive view of self

• Capable of personal growth

• Autonomy

• Mastery of the environment

• Resistance to stress

• Accurate view of reality

Evaluation of Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

+Focuses on positive features of an individuals 'behaviour and thought. However, many normal people would fail Jahoda’s criteria.

-Jahoda is also considered to be ethnocentric, having western bias. In addition this definition lacks objective measurement