Definitions of abnormality

What are the four ways to define abnormality?

• Statistical infrequency

• Deviation from social norms

• Failure to function adequately

• Deviation from ideal mental health

What is statistical infrequency?

Defines normal based on how often we come across it - when an individual has a less common characteristic, it is abnormal

What is normal distribution?

Majority of people cluster around the average, fewer above and below

What is an example of statistical infrequency?

• Intellectual disability disorder - average IQ is 100 - 68% have a score in the range 85-115, with only 2% having a score below 70.

• Those below 70 are considered abnormal and may be diagnosed with IDD.

What real-world application does statistical infrequency have?

• Used in clinical practice to formally diagnose and assess the severity of an individuals symptoms.

• BDI - a score of 30+, top 5%, is an indicator of severe depression.

• Shows value of statistical infrequency in diagnostic processes.

In what ways are unusual characteristics positive?

• Those with above average IQ and low score on BDI are also considered normal.

• Being unusual on a psychological spectrum = not necessarily abnormal.

• Not necessarily a sufficient explanation for abnormality

What are the issues with labelling people with low IQ abnormal?

• Those with IDD have access to support services, high BDI therapy.

• However, they may suffer as a result of social stigmas.

• Questions importance of statistical infrequency.

What is deviation from social norms?

Behaviour is abnormal when it offends what a society deems as acceptable - few behaviours are universally acceptable as the norm differs between countries, generations and cultures

What is an example of deviation from social norms?

• Antisocial personality disorder - impulsive, aggressive, irresponsible

• A symptom is failing to conform to lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour

• Psychopaths are considered abnormal by a wide range of cultures

How does deviation from social norms have real-world application?

• Used in clinical practice - used to diagnose APD and schizophrenia.

• Shows the value it is has in psychiatry.

Why does deviation from social norms not apply to all cultures?

• A person from one culture may be labeled as abnormal using standards from another culture

• This can leave someone who is ‘abnormal’ vulnerable to human rights - historically nymphomania has been used to control women and drapetomania for slaves.

• Difficult to judge deviation from social norms across different cultures

What is failure to function adequately?

Someone is ‘abnormal’ when they can no longer cope with the demands of everyday life

What are some signs of failure to function adequately?

• Unable to keep relationships or jobs

• Hygiene

• Eating

• No longer conforming to interpersonal standards

• Extreme distress

• Irrational and dangerous behaviour

What is an example of failing to function adequately?

Intellectual disability disorder is only diagnosed when someone is failing to function adequately

How is failure to function adequately helpful for people?

• Shows them when to get professional help

• Mind claims around 25% of the people in the UK experience mental health problems.

• Some experience it to the point where everyday life becomes difficult - this criterion means treatments and service can be targeted at those who need them most.

Why may some people be falsely labelled as failing to function adequately?

Hard to say when someone is really failing to function or whether they just choose to deviate from social norms, have unusual lifestyle choices - doesn’t make them ‘abnormal’.

Why would failure to function sometimes not be unusual?

There are times when one is temporarily unable to cope with life - eg bereavement - unfair to label them as it may cause future problems, they are only reacting to difficult circumstances

What is deviation from mental health?

When someone does not have ‘ideal’ mental health

What does Jahoda (1958) suggest good mental health looks like?

• No distress

• Rational

• Accurate perception of self

• Self-actualise

• Cope with stress

• Realistic view of the world

• Good self-esteem and lack guilt

• Successfully work, love and leisure

Why is Jahoda’s definition useful?

Comprehensive explanation, shows clear distinction between mental health and disorder, easy to discuss an individual’s mental health

Why is deviation from mental health not applicable to all cultures?

Some of Jahoda’s criteria are aimed at US and UK - self-actualisation would be seen as self-indulgent in collectivist cultures, and ‘success’ looks different in different cultures

Why is ideal mental health held to a high standard?

• Extremely difficult to attain all criteria - can be disheartening to see an impossible set of standards to live up to.

• However, a comprehensive set of criteria to work towards can be helpful for someone trying to improve their mental health.