CN Definitions of Abnormality

Statistical Infrequency

Abnormality is defined as those behaviours that are extremely rare for example any behaviour found in very few people are considered abnormal. We define it through statistical values, and anything that falls far outside of the average is considered abnormal, but it can also be more complicated as not all behaviours are undesirable

Deviation from social norms

Abnormal behaviour is seen as a deviation from unstated rules about how one ought to behave. Anything that violates these rules is considered abnormal. This can be because the lack of adherence to the rules can cause distress and concern about the person but this is susceptible to abuse, such as homophobia

Failure to function adequately

People are judged on their ability to go about daily life. If they can’t do this and are also experiencing distress or others are being distressed by their behaviour then it is considered a sign of abnormality, this can be things like having an irregular job or wearing unwashed clothes. The DSM has a test in ability to function called WHODAS

Deviation from ideal mental health

Abnormality is defined in terms of mental health, behaviours that are associated with competence and happiness. Ideal mental health would include a positive attitude towards the self, resistance to stress and an accurate perception of reality. The main categories are: Self attitudes, personal growth, integration, autonomy, accurate perception of reality, mastery of the environment

There are four ways to define abnormality, statistical infrequency where abnormality is defined through deviance from average statistics, deviation social norms, where people do not adhere to the societal rules of how you should act, failure to function adequately where people do not function properly and it causes distress, and deviation from ideal mental health where people do not have positive beliefs in the main categories.