Definitions of Abnormality

List the different ways for defining abnormality

• Statistical infrequency

• Deviation from social norms

• Failure to function

• Deviation from ideal mental health

How does ‘statistical infrequency’ define abnormality?

Statistical frequency defines abnormality as the occurrence of an individual with a less common characteristic within a given population.

Relate statistical infrequency to a mental disorder

• IQ and intellectual disability disorder

Average IQ = 100 IQ

68% have an IQ ranging from 85 - 115

2% have an IQ below 70

What are two strengths of statistical infrequency?

• Real world applications (used in formal diagnosis, assessing severity of symptoms)

• Objective applications —> quantitative method, standardised

What is a limitation of statistical infrequency?

• Inappropiately links normal and abnormal behaviours with frequency and what is considered common (eg: individuals with IQ above 130 deemed as abnormal even though high IQ is a desirable characteristic)

How does ‘deviation from social norms’ define abnormality?

Deviation from social norms defines abnormality as characteristics or occurrences that differ from what is considered accepted in society or in a community.

Relate deviation from social norms to a mental disorder

• Antisocial personality disorder —> impulsive, aggressive and irresponsible

• According to DSM-5 —> ‘absence of prosocial internal standards associated with failure to conform to lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour’

• Considered abnormal for not conforming to moral standards within society

(Another example) Link deviation from social norms to homosexuality

• Homosexuality was once listed as a mental disorder in the DSM-5

• Social norms have an evolving nature

• Homosexuality is now widely accepted in society

What is a limitation of deviation from social norms?

Too much reliance on defining abnormality this way can lead to systematic abuse of human rights.

• Eg: ‘Drapetomania’ was a supposed illness. This was centred around the belief that slavery was an improvement for the lives of slaves that only those suffering from a form of mental illness would wish to escape …….😰

• These mental health diagnoses were really there to maintain control over minorities

How does ‘failure to function adequately’ define abnormality?

Failure to function adequately defines abnormality as being unable to cope with the demands of everyday life, such as maintaining basic standards of hygiene, holding down a job, maintaining relationships etc

David Rosenhan and Martin Seligman added additional signs. What were they?

• No longer conforming to standard interpersonal rules (eg: maintaining eye contact, respecting personal space etc)

• Maladaptive behaviour

• Severe personal distress

• Behaviour causing others discomfort

• Irrational and dangerous behaviours towards others or themselves

Relate failure to function adequately with a mental disorder

• Depression → imapired ability to function eg: getting out of bed, attending work / school, completing routine tasks

• Intense sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness →hard to socially interact with others + maintain relationships

• Lack motivation to engage in things they used to enjoy eg: hobbies, work, socialising → isolation

Indicators of failing to function adequately

What is a strength of failure to function adequately?

• Attempts to include the subjective experience of the individual → patient-centred, highlights importance of understanding mental health issues rather than only focusing observable symptoms

What is the limitation of failure to function adequately?

• Does not take into account the context in which the person might be struggling such as coping strategies, environmental context, short-term crisis etc → inaccurate judgement of their mental well-being

How does ‘deviation from ideal mental health’ define abnormality?

Deviation from ideal mental health focuses on what makes people ‘normal’. So, those who do not have the characteristics of ideal mental health would be considered abnormal.

What is the criteria for the deviation from ideal mental health

• Positive attitude towards the self

• Self-actualisation

• Autonomy

• Resistance to stress

• Environmental mastery

• Accurate perception of reality

Define ‘positive attitude toward the self’

Good level of self esteem + positive attitude

Define ‘self-actualisation’

Refers to being in a state of contentment, being the best you can be

Define ‘autonomy’

Having independence and self-reliance

Define ‘resistance to stress’

Handle stressful situations competently

Define ‘environmental mastery’

Refers to being able to adapt to new situations and be at ease with all situations in their life

Define ‘accurate perception of reality’

Focused on how the individual sees the world. Must have a similar perspective to how others see the world.

What is the strength of deviation from ideal mental health?

• Focuses on what is helpful and desirable to the individual → lead to more positive attitude towards self by challenging negative beliefs

What are the limitations of deviation from ideal mental health?

• Over-demanding, extremely high standards → can be discouraging and overly critical

• Specific to Western European and North American cultures → emphasis on autonomy + self-actualisation is rooted in individualistic cultures → may not be seen as essential or desirable to other cultures such as collectivist cultures