definitions of abnormality

4 definitions

• statistical infrequency

• social/ cultural norms

• ideal mental health

• failure to function adequately

statistical infrequency

basic theory that anything that is two standard deviations away from a mean is classified as abnormal (behaviours outside of the majority)

statistical infrequency strengths

• allows for objective measurements (2.5%)

• unbiased, judged on same statistical criteria

• full overview of population

statistical infrequency weaknesses

• cut off point for abnormality is arbitrary (random, personal whim/choice)

• not all rare behaviours are abnormal, eg. high IQ is rare, but considered through this definition but chronic depression (10%) is harmful but considered normal

social/cultural norms and the two sub-groups

behaviour is abnormal if it goes against what most people in their society/ culture would consider acceptable

1. situational: acceptable behaviour in a situation

2. developmental: acceptable behaviour for a certain age

social/cultural norms strengths

• gives society right to intervene

• gives social dimension

• accepts cultural differences

• accepts developmental/ situational variables

social/cultural norms weakness

• established by ruling elite (not tangible)

• changes over time

• ethnocentric bias

• unclear, is eccentric a factor of bad mental health?

ideal mental health

abnormality is the absence of criteria for good mental health proposed by Jahoda

jahoda’s 6 degrees:

1. positive attitude to oneself

2. accurate perception of reality

3. autonomy

4. resisting stress (integration)

5. self actualisation

6. environmental mastery

ideal mental health strength

• positive & progressive, a goal instead of what we lack

• hollisic, dysfunction is from many diff aspects

• sets goals clearly for individuals

ideal mental health weaknesses

• difficult to achieve normality

• subjective, vague criteria, difficult to measure

• autonomy isn’t regarded ideal in collectivist cultures

failure to function adequately

an individual who finds it difficult to and cannot lead a healthy lifestyle due to factors (such as poor hygiene, not maintaining healthy relationships) and aren’t aware of it until someone notifies them

failure to function adequately, Rosenhan and Seligman’s features:

1. personal distress

2. maladaptive behaviours (prevent attaining life goals)

3. unpredictability

4. irrationality

5. observer discomfort

6. violation of moral qualities

7. unconventionality (vividness)

failure to function adequately strengths

• observable and can physically be seen

• most who seek help have realised they have problems

failure to function adequately weaknesses

• difficult to achieve normality

• distress can be normal eg. in grief