Defininitions of Abnormality:
Statistical Infrequency:
A01
A behaviour that is statistically rare on uncommon in a particular society.
Therefore, abnormality is determined by looking at the distribution of a particular behaviour within the society.
E.g. 95% of the population have an IQ in the region of 70 to 130, however, approximately 5% have a very high IQ above 130 or very low IQ below 70, and so they are seen as statistically rare, and thus abnormal.
A03
Point: A strength of the statistical infrequency definition of abnormality is that offers the prospect of clear guidelines for identifying behaviours as normal and abnormal.
Evidence: For example, the definition introduces an element of objectivity into the process of defining abnormality so that different mental health care workers can all view the same kind of behaviour in the same kind of way.
Evaluation: This is a strength because it is value-free and unbiased, as it does not rely on opinion.
Point: A criticism of this definition is that it suggests that anyone who differs from the ‘average’ is technically abnormal.
Evidence: For example, it doesn’t take into account the desirability of behaviours, highly intelligent people or people with an unusual musical talet are statistically rare and are thus, according to this definition, abnormal
Evaluation: This is a weakness because it defines any rare trait as abnormal, regardless of whether it causes the individual to suffer
Deviation for Ideal Mental Health:
A01:
Marie Jahoda took a different approach by suggesting that abnormal behaviour should be defined by the absence of particular, ideal characteristics.
This is similar to the approach taken by the medical profession for measures of physical health such as having blood pressure within the normal range, standard body temperature and so on.
She proposed six principles of ideal mental health, and if an individual did not demonstrate just one of these criteria, they would be classified as abnormal.
Positive view of self (high self-esteem), Personal growth and self actualisation, Autonomy, Accurate view of reality, Resistance to stress and Master your enviroment.
A03:
Point: The definition is problematic, as the characteristics of Ideal Mental Health are seen as far too idealistic.
Evidence: Evidence to support this comes from Maslow who argued that only a few poeple ever achieve ‘self-actualisation’ and so the criteria is set too high.
Evaluation: This is a limitation because if this is true, most people would be defined as being abnormal, which is not logical or helpful.
Point: The criteria used in the “Ideal Mental Health” definition, are based on Western culture and therefore the definition is biased.
Evidence: For example, her emphasis on personal growth and individual autonomy reflects Wester, individualistic culture and not collective cultures.
Evaluation: This is a limitation because it means that the definition should only be used in the culture in which it has been developed, therefore it is culturally biased.
Deviation from Social Norms:
A01
Violating the unwritten rule (implicit norm) about what is acceptable in a particular society and a particular time.
E.g. roaming the streets of London naked
Or, in England, it is considered abnormal to avoid someone’s eyes when you talk to them… But in Korea it is considered very rude to meet someone’s eyes
This defiition takes the discomfort of the observer into account - if something makes you feel uncomfortable, that behaviour is likely to be labelled ‘abnormal’.
A03:
Point: The social norms definition can be questioned, as social norms change over time and therefore a behaviour that broke social norms and was considered abnormal in 1950 may not be viewed as abnormal today.
Evidence: Being an unmarried mother in the 1940’s and 1950’s would be breaking social norms and therefore this behaviour was classed as abnormal. Many of these women were sectioned as ‘moral imbeciles’ and society demanded that they “give up” their babies.
Evaluation: This is a limitation because what we can define as a mental illness changes over time, which cannot be useful medically.
Point: Social norms differ between cultures and this may be problematic
Evidence: In British culture it is considered to be polite to finish the food on your plate at mealtimes. However, in India, to finish all your food from your plate is a sign that you are still hungry.
Evaluation: This is a limitation because it means that different cultures define different traits as medically abnormal, and this is not logical or helpful.
Failure to Function Adequately:
Being unable to cope with the demads of everyday life and live independantly in society
Behaviour causes suffering and discomfort/distress to themselves and others around them
E.g someone who is suffering from depression may struggle to get out of bed in the morning and go to work (not coping with everyday life), or they may find it difficult to communicate with their faimly and friends (causing distress to others).
A03:
Point: Failing to function does not always indicate the presence of a psychological abnormality.
Evidence: For example, someone who loses their job will not be able to get up and go to work/earn money for their family etc… This may cause them personal distress but it does not indicate an abnormality.
Evaluation: This is a limitation as it is normal to fail to function under some circumstances, but the definition does not recorgnise this.
Point: Behaviour that looks as if it is a “failure to function” may actually be behaviour that is admired by some in society.
Evidence: Some political prisoners who go on a hunger strike as a part of their political protest will often be respected.
Evaluation: This is a limitation because this definition does not take social context into accuount.