Definitions of abnormality 1&2

• What is statistical infrequency?

  A behaviour is normal if it occurs frequently. Any behaviour that occurs relatively rarely is abnormal
• When is statistical infrequency most useful?

  when dealing with human characteristics that can be reliably measured
• Statistical infrequency: scores

  • majority of scores cluster around an average
  • The further away from the average, fewer people have this score
  • Compare the individuals score with the average score
• SI- strength- real world application

  • useful in diagnosis
  • Intellectual disability disorder requires an IQ in the bottom 2%
  • The BDI (Beck depression inventory) asses depression and only 5% score above 30 = severe depression
• SI - weakness - unusual characteristics can be positive

  • just because a behaviour is infrequent doesn’t mean it’s undesirable
  • IQ scores above 130 are considered statistically infrequent but aren’t undesirable or needing treatment
  • SI can be part of defining abnormality but can’t be the sole basis
• SI- weakness- benefits v problems

  • labelling someone who is happy as abnormal isn’t beneficial
  • Label may carry a stigma
  • Could do more harm than good
• What is Deviation from social norms?

  anyone who behaves differently from social norms are considered abnormal
• What are social norms?

  • created by a group of people
  • decide what behaviours are acceptable standards of behaviour
  • These rules are often in place for good reason e.g. politeness, helps people get along - those that are rude are considered socially deviant
• Law vs implicit

  Some norms are implicit (suggested) whereas others are policed by laws e.g. holding a door vs attacking someone
• Cultural relativism (DfSN)

  • Norms differ over place and time
  • View that behaviour cannot be judged properly unless viewed in the context of the culture in which it originates
• DfSN - strength - real world application

  • Useful in diagnosis
  • Antisocial personality disorder - diagnosis requires failure to conform to ethical standards
  • Schizotypal personality disorder - involves strange beliefs and behaviour
• DfSN - weakness - situational / cultural relativism

  • What is considered abnormal in one situation or culture may be considered normal in another
  • Cultural - hearing voices is socially acceptable in some cultures but would be seen as abnormal in the UK
  • Situational - wearing your Pjs to school on a fancy dress day is considered normal, but wearing them every day when others are in uniform is considered abnormal