Definitions of abnormality

• What is the definition of deviation from social norms as a definition for abnormality?

  When people are considered abnormal because they go against and behave differently to the unspoken expectations and norms of a society. These people are considered social deviants.
• What is a strength to the definition of deviating from social norms as a definition of abnormality?

  It doesn't impose a western view on non-western cultures and isn't ethnocentric
• What are 2 limitations to the definition of deviating from social norms as a definition of abnormality?


  People who are considered abnormal are suspected to abuse (women in the 1900s who had children outside of wedlock were often put in mental asylums and had their babies taken away).

  It's inappropriate to define people from other cultures as abnormal as afro-carribean people that live in the uk are 7 time more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia
• What is the definition of failure to function adequately

  When someone can't cope with or carry out everyday activities. Rosenhan and Seligman's features of failure to function adequately include maladaptive and unpredictable behaviour
• What is a strength of the definition of failure to function adequately as a definition for abnormality

  It respects the individual and their experiences which other definitions cant do as they focus more on the population
• What are 2 limitations of the definition of failure to function adequately as a definition for abnormality


  It doesn't take those into account who may be considered abnormal but can still function in society like psychopaths who's lack of empathy can help them in some circumstances.

  This definition can be subjective when deciding what counts as not functioning
• What is statistical infrequency as a definition for abnormality?

  This looks at how rare mental disorders are in comparision to the population. The normal distribution curve looks at the population's average spread of characteristics
• What is a strength of statistical infrequency as a definition for abnormality?


  It's objective unlike some other definitions
• What are 2 limitations of statistical infrequency as a definition for abnormality?

  Not all rare traits are negative. The IQs 130 and 70 are both as statistically rare however an IQ of 130 isn't negative. The NHS also found that 17% of people meet the criteria for a mental health condition meaning this definition isn't appropriate when considering societies high incidence of mental health disorders.

  Not everyone benefits from a label and pointing it out can be harmful
• What is the definition of deviation from ideal mental health as a definition for ideal mental health?

  This is where Jahoda proposed 6 criteria for people to meet in order to not deviate from ideal mental health. These were: self-actualisation, autonomy, resistant to stress, environmental mastery, positive attitude to yourself and an accurate perception of reality. The more criteria you don't meet, the more abnormal you are.
• What is a strength of deviation from ideal mental health as a definition for ideal mental health?

  It's holistic and takes into account multiple factors and offers suggestion for development
• What are 2 limitations of deviation from ideal mental health as a definition for ideal mental health?

  It is very unrealistic to achieve all of these and maintain this, based on this definition many people would be considered abnormal.

  It also can't be applied to other cultures due to culture relativism as each culture has different ideas about what ideal mental health is.