Definitions of Abnormality

• Types of Abnormality:

  1. Failure to Function adequately
  2. Deviation from Social Norms
  3. Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
  4. Stastical Infrequency
• Abnormality - behaviour and psychological functioning, is considered Different to normal behaviour in a given society
• Deviation from Social Norms:

  • When behaviour does not conform to social norms of society so its not seen as acceptable
  • (e.g. homosexuality is seen as abnormal and a mental disorder because society has said this )
• Failure to Function Adequately - people who cannot cope with everyday life ( e.g. getting up, going to work )

  • Example - An individual suffering from depression will be unable to get up in the morning and start their day
• Deviation from Ideal Mental Health - suggests that abnormal behaviour should be defined by the absence of " ideal " characteristics.

  Failure to meet one of them. Classifies you as being abnormal

  • Key Individual : Jahoda

  Jahoda's Criteria:

  1. Self Actualisation
  2. Positive attitude towards yourself
  3. Coping with stress
  4. Personal Autonomy
  5. Accurate perception of reality
  6. Adaptation to the environment
• Statistical Infrequency - when a certain behaviour is not common within a certain population / society

  • (e.g. - having higher than the average IQ means that you die abnormal )
  • ISSUE ! - some behaviours e.g. High IQ are desirable and are wanted by certain people.