definitions of abnormality

• What defines abnormal behavior according to social norms?

  Behavior that goes against societal expectations
• Why are social norms important in defining abnormal behavior?

  They establish acceptable standards in society
• What are the strengths and limitations of defining abnormality through social norms?

  Strengths:

  • Distinguishes desirable from undesirable behavior
  • Considers societal context

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Norms vary by country
  • Norms change over time
  • Unclear who sets the norms
• What does failure to function adequately (FFA) refer to?

  Inability to perform expected societal behaviors
• What criteria did Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) suggest for defining abnormality?

  Observer discomfort, unpredictability, irrationality, maladaptiveness
• What are the limitations of the failure to function adequately definition?

  • May not truly define abnormality
  • Exceptions exist due to circumstances
  • Cultural relativism affects adequacy
  • Linked to external factors, not just psychopathology
  • Context-dependent interpretations
  • Some disorders lack personal distress
• What is a limitation of the deviation from ideal health definition?

  Very few people meet all criteria for health
• Why is the statistical infrequency definition of abnormality significant?

  It identifies rare behaviors as abnormal
• What are the strengths and limitations of statistical infrequency in defining abnormality?

  Strengths:

  • Practical applications in measuring disorders
  • Uses standard deviations for assessment

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Desirable traits may be statistically rare
  • Subjective cut-off points for abnormality
  • Can lead to stigmatization
  • Some common disorders are not rare
• What does the center of the bell curve represent in statistical infrequency?

  Normal behavior
• What happens to behaviors outside the bell curve in statistical infrequency?

  They are defined as abnormal
• How does statistical infrequency lead to stigmatization?

  By labeling rare behaviors as abnormal