Definitions of abnormality

• Definitions of abnormality

  How can we decide if a person’s behaviour and/or psychological state are abnormal to justify diagnosing them and treating them for a psychological disorder?

  We need to define abnormality - we have 4 that we refer to here:

  • Statistical deviation
  • Deviation from social norms
  • Failure to function adequately
  • Deviation from ideal mental health
• 1. Statistical infrequency

  Mean/median/mode = used as a way to represent the typical value in any set of data

  What is normal? We refer to typical values.

  Statistics inform us about things such as what age is the most typical for women to have their first baby, the average height for a 10 year-old etc 

  If we can define what is common/normal, we can also define what is not common/abnormal
• AO3 - Statistical infrequency

  (-) Some abnormal behaviour is desirable

  Equally some normal behaviours are undesirable.

  THEREFORE

  Using statistical infrequency to define abnormality means that we are unable to distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviours

  In order to identify behaviours that need treatment, there needs to be a means of identifying infrequent and undesirable behaviours
• 2. Deviation from social norms

  What are social norms? Who would be abnormal according to this definition?

  People who behave differently (deviate) from these norms

  Some rules about unacceptable behaviour are implicit whereas others are policed by laws.
• 2. Deviation from social norms

  Another example:

  In the past homosexuality was:

  • Considered as abnormal 
  • Regarded as a mental disorder
  • Against the law in the UK

  This judgement was based on social deviation but with changes to society has become more acceptable. However, other forms of sexual behaviour continue to be classified as abnormal.
• AO3 - Deviation from social norms 

  (+) Some strengths from that definition

  Distinguishes between desirable and undesirable behaviour. This was absent in the statistical infrequency definition.

  It also takes into account the effects that behaviour has on others

  Deviance is defined in term of transgression of social rules and (ideally) social rules are established in order to help people live together. According to this definition, abnormal behaviour is behaviour that damages others
• 3. Failure to function adequately

  (-) Is it simply a deviation from social norms?

  People living with alternative lifestyles who choose not to have a job, a permanent accommodation…

  Are they abnormal?

  If these behaviours are treated as failures of adequate functioning, we risk limiting personal freedom and discrimination against minority group.
• 3. Failure to function adequately

  (-) Subjective judgements

  When is a person distressed?

  Very subjective judgement to make.

  Some patients may say they are distressed but may be judged as not suffering.

  Some methods exist to make more objective judgement 

  Example: Global Assessment of Functioning Scale
• 4. Deviation from ideal mental health

  A different view.  

  Doesn’t look at what makes someone abnormal but instead what makes anyone normal.

  Once we have a picture of how we should be psychologically healthy, then we can begin to identify who deviates from this ideal
• Who suggested the criteria for ideal mental health?

  Marie Jahoda
• What are the criteria for ideal mental health according to Marie Jahoda?


  • No symptoms or distress
  • Rational – accurate perception of ourselves
  • Self-actualise (reach our potential)
  • Cope with stress
  • Realistic view of the world
  • Good self-esteem and no guilt
  • Independent of other people
  • Can work, love, and enjoy our leisure
• What does it mean to self-actualise in the context of mental health?


  It means to reach our potential
• How does Jahoda's concept of ideal mental health relate to coping with stress?


  It includes the ability to cope with stress as a criterion for good mental health
• What is one of the criteria for ideal mental health related to self-esteem?


  Good self-esteem and no guilt
• What does it mean to have a realistic view of the world in terms of mental health?


  It means having an accurate perception of reality
• How does the concept of deviation from ideal mental health overlap with failure to function adequately?


  Both concepts can explain an inability to keep a job
• What might someone's inability to keep a job indicate according to Jahoda's criteria?


  It could indicate a failure to cope with work pressure or a deviation from ideal mental health
• 4. Deviation from ideal mental health

  (+) Positive approach

  Focus on positive rather than negatives and focus on desirable rather  than what is undesirable.

  Even though Jahoda’s ideas were never really taken up by mental health professional, the ideas have had some influence and are in accord with the “positive psychology” movements.
• What is one of the criteria for ideal mental health related to independence?


  Being independent of other people
• What does it mean to be able to work, love, and enjoy leisure in the context of mental health?


  It means having the capacity to engage in fulfilling activities
• 4. Deviation from ideal mental health

  (-) Unrealistic criteria

  According to these criteria, most of us are abnormal!

  Also, how many need to be lacking before a person would be judged as abnormal?

  Criteria are difficult to measure.

  Example: how easy is it to assess capacity for personal growth or mastery?

  = this means that this approach is an interesting concept but not really useful when it comes to identifying abnormality
• 4. Deviation from ideal mental health

  (-) Labelling

  When we make a judgement that someone is failing to cope we may end up giving them a label that can add to their problems.

  Example: it would be “normal” to become depressed after the loss of a job, home or relationship.

  Someone in that position might benefit from psychological help. However future employers, partner or even finance organisations may attach a permanent label to that person.

  To what extent is it helpful to diagnose individuals as abnormal and offer them therapy?