Definitions of Abnormality

Statistical infrequency

A behaviour is abnormal if it is rare or statistically unusual.

Example of statistical infrequency

An IQ below 70 is statistically infrequent and may indicate intellectual disability.

Strength of statistical infrequency

Useful for clinical assessment and diagnosis (e.g. IQ tests).

Limitation of statistical infrequency

Unusual characteristics can be positive (e.g. high IQ).

Deviation from social norms

Behaviour considered abnormal if it violates social expectations or rules.

Example of deviation from social norms

Shouting in public or antisocial behaviour may be seen as abnormal.

Strength of deviation from social norms

Real-life application in diagnosing antisocial personality disorder.

Limitation of deviation from social norms

Norms vary across cultures and historical periods (cultural relativism).

Failure to function adequately

Abnormality occurs when someone cannot cope with everyday demands.

Rosenhan and Seligman criteria

Includes distress, unpredictability, irrationality and maladaptiveness.

Strength of failure to function

Focuses on individual suffering, a key aspect of mental illness.

Limitation of failure to function

Could label non-conformist behaviour as abnormal.

Deviation from ideal mental health

Jahoda’s criteria defining normal functioning, so anything lacking is abnormal.

Jahoda's ideal criteria

Includes self-esteem, autonomy, resistance to stress, and accurate perception of reality.

Strength of ideal mental health

Positive and holistic; focuses on mental wellbeing.

Limitation of ideal mental health

Unrealistically high standards; most people do not meet all criteria.

Cultural bias issue

What counts as “ideal” varies across cultures, especially in collectivist societies.

Overlap of definitions

Some criteria appear in multiple definitions, increasing consistency.

Practical use

Definitions help determine when someone needs professional help.

Historical context relevance

Views of abnormality change over time; diagnoses are not fixed.

Holistic vs reductionist debate

Some definitions oversimplify or overgeneralise mental health.