evaluation of abnormality definitions

• statistical infrequency: strength

  uses an objective way of distinguishing abnormal behaviour from normal behaviour. this is a strength as there are no biases/personal opinions, as the data is based on statistics. however, some abnormal behaviour can occur frequently in a population, e.g., depression.
• statistical infrequency: W

  not all statistically rare behaviour should be considered a bad thing. for instance, if the average IQ is 90-120 and someone has an IQ of 130, this should be considered a good definition of abnormality, rather than an abnormality that requires the individual to recieve extra support or intervention.
• deviation from ideal mental health: W

  it is culutrally specific. this is a weakness as it focus' on individualistic cultures rather than collectivist cultures. E.g., Jahoda's ideas of ideal mental health stem from western ideals, for instance, the need for autonomy is viewed differently in different cultures.
• failure to function adequately : weakness

  FFA may be linked to abnormality but not to other factors. this is a weakness as something like failure to keep a job may be due to economic states, not psychology.
• failure to function adequately: Strength

  the approach is very patient-centred. this is a strength as it considers mental disorders from the sufferer's perspective.
• deviation from social norm: weakness

  social norms constantly change overtime, and sometimes breaking them is required for society to change, e.g., homosexuality. this is a weakness as it suggests that behaviours deviating from unwritten rules are 'abnormal' even if they are needed for society, e.g., protesting.