definitions of abnormality

• Deviation from social norms -Acceptable/expected behaviour set by social group, Laws (explicit) or unwritten rules (implicit) are both types of social norms, Behaviour which deviates from these rules is abnormal, e.g. OCD bring own cutlery as they fear contamination
• Failure to Function Adequately · Abnormality is inability to cope with everyday life, · It looks at abnormal behaviour that interferes with everyday life · Rosenhan and Seligman argued FFA is identified by the person showing unusual, irrational, unpredictable behaviour and the person suffers personal distress, · E.g. Depressed individuals find it hard to keep a job or relationships
• Statistical infrequency · This definition suggests that we must look at behaviours that are typical (normal) of the general population · Then any behaviour which is rare (not shown by many people) is abnormal. · Therefore, on a distribution curve any behaviour that is 2 or more standard deviations from the mean is statistically rare. *** For example, OCD affects 2% of the population so is therefore abnormal.
• Criteria for mental healthiness

  • Self attitude (high self esteem)
  • Self actualisation (work to your full potential)
  • Resistance to stress
  • Autonomy (being independent)
  • Accurate view of reality (seeing the world as it really is)
  • Environment mastery (can adapt to new situations or being able to cope in current situations and have the ability to love and solve problems)
• Deviation from ideal mental health

  Failure to meet one or more of these criteria would suggest an abnormality, the more criteria they fail to meet, the more abnormal the person would be deemed