Definitions of Abnormality

• 4 definitions of abnormality

  deviation from social norms

  failure to function adequately

  statistical infrequency

  deviation from ideal mental health
• Deviation from social norms

  Not behaving the way society expects someone to
• Evaluation of deviation from social norms

  - real life applications such as identifying people who don't 'fit in'

  - reductionism - too simplistic

  - can lead to human rights abuses

  - cultural relativism
• Failure to function adequately

  Not being able to cope with demands of everyday life - has to cause distress to the individual or others
• Evaluation of failure to function adequately


  - considers subjective opinion and experience of the patient

  - lack of application to real life - psychopaths appear to function adequately so would be considered normal

  - subjective - people have different views on what is 'normal
• Statistical infrequency


  Behaviour is different from the statistical norm
• Evaluation of statistical infrequency


  - objective as it uses quantitative data to measure differences

  - labelling can lead to prejudice and discrimination

  - social desirability - some characteristics may be more desirable than others
• Deviation from ideal mental health


  Failing to meet the criteria for good mental health
• Jahoda's 6 criteria for ideal mental health


  - self attitudes

  - autonomy

  - personal growth & self actualisation

  - accurate perception of reality

  - integration

  - mastery of the environment
• Evaluation of deviation from ideal mental health


  - holistic - considers aspects of the whole person

  - unrealistic ideals

  - cultural relativism