Definitions of abnormality

• What does definition statistical infrequency say about abnormality

  behaviour being abnormal if it is rare and infrequent.
• How does statistical infrequency measure abnormality

  Through statistics and normal distribution graph

  More than two standard deviations away from the mean is abnormal.
• What is a strength of the statistical infrequency definition


  It is objective
• What are the Two Limitations of the statistical infrequency definition


  Could define someone as abnormal when they are psychologically well (e.g. High IQ) which is a desirable abnormal behaviour

  • It misses some disorders (e.g. depression being common) which means the definition cannot be used on its own
• What does definition deviation from social norms say about abnormality

  behaviour being abnormal if it is not socially acceptable, goes against society's norms and values. (e.g. singing loudly in a library )
• What is a strength of the deviation from social norms definition

  It is flexible dependng on situation and age
• What are the TWO limitations of the deviation from social norms definition

  It is highly subjective/changes over time e.g. homosexuality was once seen as a mental disorder

  Culture relativism - hearing voices is normal in some
• What does the definition failure to function adequately say about abnormality

  behaviour being abnormal if it shows one's inability to cope with the demands of everyday life: Personal distress and irrationality 
• What is the strength of the definition failure to function adaquately

  it takes into account the subjective experiences of one and the behaviour is observed e.g. not getting out of bed
• what are the TWO limitations of the definition failure to function adequately

  Many abnormalities do not stop people from functioning e.g. criminals

  Adaquate behaviour ALSO varies from culture.
• what does the definition deviation from ideal mental health say about abnormality

  abnormality is the absence of criteria for good mental health (as in physical illness)
• What is Jahoda's criteria for ideal mental health? Hint: ASPEAR


  A -accurate perception of reality 

  S – self-actualization is experiencing personal growth 

  P – positive attitudes to oneself is having a strong sense of identity 

  E - environmentally stable able to meet the demands of day-to-day situations 

  A – autonomy being independent make personal decisions 

  R - resistance to stress having coping strategies/being able to cope with everyday situations that provoke anxiety 
• What are the TWO limitations of the definition deviation from ideal mental health

  High unrealistic standards- normal people won't meet ALL the 

  criteria but are psychologically well 

  It is also ethnocentric - Jahoda's self-actualization and autonomy reflects western culture 
• What is a strength of the definition deviation from ideal mental health

  Positive and holistic approach to diagnosis