Definitions of abnormality

• What are the four definitions of abnormality

  • Statistical infrequency
  • Deviation from social norms
  • Failure to function adequately
  • Deviation from ideal mental health
• What is statistical infrequency?

  Defines abnormality as behaviours or characteristics that are rare or statistically unusual in a given population
• Give an example of statistical infrequency?

  Having an IQ below 70 or above 130
• What is a strength of statistical infrequency?

  Real world application - used in clinical assessments e.g. diagnosing an intellectual disability disorder
• What is a limitation of statistical infrequency?

  Unusual characteristics can be positive - high IQ is statistically infrequent but not considered abnormal or undesirable
• What is deviation from social norms?

  Abnormality is defined by behaviours that violates societal expectations or cultural norms
• Why are social norms relative?

  They vary across cultures and time periods
• Give an example of deviation from social norms?

  Antisocial personality disorder - characterised by disregard for societal rules and ethical norms
• What is a strength of deviation from social norms?

  Real world application - helps diagnose disorders like antisocial personality disorder, which involves a failure to conform to ethical behaviour
• What is a limitation of deviation from social norms?

  Cultural relativism - what is considered abnormal in one culture may be normal in another
• What is failure to function adequately?

  Abnormality is defined as an inability to cope with demands of daily life
• What are Rosenhan and Seligmans seven features of dysfunction?

  • Personal distress
  • Maladaptive behaviour
  • Unpredictably
  • Irrationality
  • Observer discomfort
  • Violation of moral standards
  • Unconventionality
• How is failure to function assessed?

  Clinicians use the GAF scale to measure how well someone is function socially, occupationally and psychologically
• What is a strength of failure to function adequately?

  Represents a threshold for help - helps identify when people need professional intervention
• What is a limitation of failure to function adequately?

  Discrimination and social control - unconventional lifestyles may be unfairly labelled as abnormal
• What is deviation from ideal mental health?

  Defines abnormality by the absence of characteristics associated with psychological well being
• What are Jahodas six characteristics of ideal mental health?

  • Positive attitudes towards oneself
  • Self - actualisation
  • Autonomy
  • Resisting stress
  • Accurate perception of reality
  • Environmental mastery
• What is strength of deviation from ideal mental health?

  Comprehensive definition - covers a broad range of factors that contribute to mental well being
• What is a limitation of deviation from ideal mental health?

  High standard of mental health - few people meet all criteria, meaning many could be classified as abnormal