Definitions of abnormality

Statistical Infrequency(AO1)

Infrequent or rare behaviour is considered abnormal

• Normal Distribution: Majority of people's IQ scores cluster around the average (100)

• Abnormality: Individuals scoring below 70 are considered abnormal, receiving a diagnosis of Intellectual Developmental Disorder

Statistical infrequency(AO3)

• Strengths:

• It is objective as it is not influenced by personal feelings or opinions.

• Example: IQ scores - deviations from the average IQ are considered abnormal.

• Real-world application: Used in clinical practice for diagnosis and symptom severity assessment.

• A useful overview: This definition looks at the whole picture, taking all the population into account so can give a useful insight into the whole picture of a particular characteristic.

  • Limitations:

  • Not all infrequent behaviors are indicative of psychological illness. Some abnormal behaviors, like high IQ, can be desirable.

  • Abnormal behaviours can occur frequently: It is not the case that abnormal, as in unhelpful and painful, behaviours occur rarely. Depression is an example, where it is argued that 25% of the population will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives.

Deviation from Social Norms(AO1)

Behaviour that is not considered socially acceptable is abnormal. It can be explicit (written laws) or implicit (unwritten but accepted norms).

Deviation from social norms(AO3)

• + Flexibility: Flexible dependent on situation and age. A social norm is to wear full clothing whilst out shopping, but a bikini is acceptable on a beach.

• + Real-world application: Used in clinical practice for diagnosing disorders like antisocial personality disorder.

• -Change over time: Although this definition allows for age and situation dependent behaviour, the changes in legislation mean that norms vary dependent on the time. This is sometimes hard to judge and means that there is a lack of consensus between generations. For example, homosexuality was regarded as a mental illness into the 1970s, whereas nowadays that is no longer the case.

• - Cultural Bias: Afro-Caribbean people in the UK are often diagnosed with schizophrenia more. Variability between social norms in different cultures and situations; difficult to judge across different contexts.

  - Ethnocentrism: Judging other cultures based on one's own standards. For example, hearing voices may be seen as abnormal in one culture but as a religious experience in another.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Characterized by impulsive, aggressive, and irresponsible behavior.

Failure to Function Adequately(AO1)

Inability to cope with everyday life demands: (Rosenhan & Seligman, 1989):

Personal Distress	A key feature of abnormality - manifest in most psychiatric disorders
Maladaptive Behaviour	Behaviour stopping individuals from attaining life goals
Unpredictability	Displaying unexpected behaviours characterised by loss of control
Irrationality	Displaying behaviours that cannot be explained in a rational way

Failure to function Adequately(AO3)

Pros:

1. Consideration of how the individual feels: This definition is focused on the individual and how they are managing in everyday life from their perspective, so if someone feels as though they are struggling they will be deemed abnormal and get help.

2. Behaviour is observable: Failure to function adequately can be seen by others around the individual because they may not get out of bed on a morning, or be able to hold a job down.

Cons:

1. Discrimination and social control: Easy to label non-standard lifestyle choices as 'abnormal'. Not having a job or a permanent address may be seen as a failure to function, despite being a lifestyle choice

2. Too much focus on the individual: It is argued that abnormal behaviours may not be a problem for the individual, but may be for others around them. For example, someone may be abnormally aggressive and not be worried by it, but their family and friends may feel it is excessive.

3. Some people with abnormalities, like those with Antisocial Personality Disorder, can function fine

Deviation from Ideal Mental Health(AO1)

Focus on deviation from ideal mental health criteria to determine abnormality.

• Criteria (Marie Jahoda, 1958):

  • Accurate perception of reality

  • Self-actualisation

  • Positive attitude towards the self

  • Environmental mastery

  • Autonomy

  • Resistance to stress

Deviation from Ideal Mental Health(AO3)

Pros of Deviation from Ideal Mental Health:

1. Aspiration for personal growth: Encourages individuals to strive for self-improvement and autonomy.

2. Focus on individual well-being: Prioritizes the mental health and happiness of individuals.

3. Encourages seeking help: Individuals are more likely to seek professional help to improve their mental health.

Cons of Deviation from Ideal Mental Health:

1. Unrealistic standards: Sets an unattainable high standard for mental health, leading to feelings of inadequacy.

2. Ethnocentric bias: Criteria are based on Western individualistic values, disregarding cultural differences.

3. Neglects community well-being: Ignores the importance of collective identity and community achievement in some cultures. Limited applicability: Not universally applicable as it may not align with the values and beliefs of all cultures.