Definitions of abnormality

• statistical infrequency

  behaviour is classified as abnormal if its rare of statistically unusual.
• Example of statistical infrequency

  Average IQ score is 100. 70% score between 85-115

  only 2% are lower than 70. Likely to be diagnosed with intellectual disability disorder
• Strengths of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality

  • Real life applications - psychologists can easily measure a persons symptoms and classify as abnormal if they fall outside normal range
• Limitations of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality

  • unusual characteristics can be positive (eg very high IQ)
  • The cut off point is uncertain. Judgement of how unusual a behaviour is must be made so subjective
• Deviation from social norms

  behaviour is classified as abnormal is their behaviour differs from how society expects them to behave
• Example of deviation from social norms

  Antisocial personality disorder

  people with this are aggressive and irresponsible. one symptom is failure to conform to normal ethical behaviour
• Strengths of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality

  • Improves on statistical infrequency definition. recognises that unusual behaviours are not necessarily abnormal as long as they are desirable
• Limitations of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality

  • social norms change over time
  • social norms change across cultures
• Failure to function adequately

  behaviour is classified as abnormal if the person is unable to cope with demands of everyday life and life independently in society, causing distress to themselves or others
• Examples of functioning adequately

  1. able to sleep properly
  2. being independent
  3. able to communicate with others
  4. keeping tidy
• Strengths of failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality

  Takes into account the patients perspective. considers abnormality from the POV of the person experiencing it
• limitations of failure to function adequately

  some "abnormal" individuals may feel like they are functioning eg someone with schizophrenia may believe they are functioning perfectly when in reality they are having hallucinations.

  It is subjective, may depend on cultural norms
• deviation from ideal mental health

  proposed by Marie Jahoda (1958).

  a set of criteria that describes good mental health, a person is considered abnormal if they deviate from the criteria
• examples of "ideal mental health"

  1. high level of self esteem
  2. positive view of the self
  3. ability to act independently
  4. personal growth and development
  5. accurate perception of reality
  6. ability to deal with stressful situations
• strength of deviation from ideal mental health

  focuses on explaining how we should be instead of how we shouldn't. it is a more positive outlook on abnormality
• limitations of deviation from ideal mental health

  sets unrealistic standards, very few meet the criteria so almost everyone is abnormal according to Jahoda

  culturally biased, focus on autonomy and personal growth may not be relevant in cultures focused on family and community