Definitions of abnormalities

• What are the definition of abnormilities?

  • deviation from social norms
  • failure to function adequately
  • Deviation From ideal mental health
  • statistical infrequency
• what is meant by deviation from social norms ?

  their behaviour violates the unwritten rules about what is expected or unacceptable
• what is failure to function adequately ?

  the inability to cope with the demands of everyday life

  unable to perform behaviours necessary for day to day living
• What is deviation from ideal mental health ?


  we define what is normal

  anything that deviates is abnormal
• What is the criteria for ideal mental health ?

  • positive view of self
  • capability for growth and development
  • accurate perception of reality
  • self - actualisation
  • positive friendships and relationships
  • environmental mastery
• What is statistical infrequency ?


  a behaviour is considered abnormal if only a few people within the population display that kind of behaviour

  rare = abnormal