definitions of abnormality

• What is the definition of statistical infrequency?


  any statistically rare behaviour is classed as an abnormality

  • extreme ends of normal distribution graph
• What are the strengths of statistical infrequency?


  real life application - diagnosis/assessments/treatments

  e.g, intellectual disability
• What are the weaknesses of statistical infrequency?


  • Result in labels - stigmatizing
  • Unusual characteristics can be desirable (e.g, high IQ)
  • Subjective categories that determine abnormalities
• What is the definition of deviation from social norms?


  when a person behaves in a way that is different from how we expect people to behave based on a collective judgement

  • affected by generation and culture
• What are the strengths of deviation from social norms?


  real-life application - e.g, diagnosing antisocial personality disorder
• What are the weaknesses of deviation from social norms?

  • lead to abuse of human rights
  • cultural relativism
• Definition of failure to function adequately


  when someone is unable to cope with the ordinary demands of day-to-day life

  • may cause distress to others
  • based on rosehan+seligans theory
• How does Rosehan+Seligan determine failure to function adequately?


  • when a person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules (e.g, hygiene standards+respect for personal space)
  • when a person experiences severe personal distress
  • when a person's behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves/others
• What are the strengths of failure to function adequately?


  subjective to individual experience - considers distress despite being difficult to operationalize
• What are the weaknesses of failure to function adequately?

  • cultural bias - e.g, depressive behaviour typical in teenagers
  • dysfunction not always observable
• What is the definition of deviation from ideal mental health?


  when an individual does not reach the set criteria for good mental health:

  • personal growth + self-actualisation
  • integration - the ability to cope with stress
  • autonomy - the ability to be independent
  • perception of reality
  • matters of the environment - the ability to build relationships
• What are the strengths of deviation from ideal mental health?


  prioritises individual needs/health
• What are the weaknesses of deviation from ideal mental health?


  • Unrealistic high expectation of 'good mental health' - just have a bad day
  • cultural relativism
  • vague+subjective