Definitions of abnormality

• Is there a specific definition of Abnormality?

  Not really - The term abnormality refers to when someone behaves in a way that would not be defined as normal and there are 4 definitions we will explore that help determine this.
• What are the 4 definitions of abnormality?

  -Statistical infrequency

  -Failure to function adequately

  -Deviation from social norms

  -Deviation from ideal mental health
• What is statistical infrequency?

  Someone is mentally abnormal if their mental condition is very rare in the population, the rarity of the behaviour is judged objectively using statistics (comparing the individuals behaviour to the rest of the population).
• What is the normal distribution curve - Abnormality?

  -The normal distribution curve shows a populations average spread of specific characteristics

  -The mean, median and modal scores are all at the highest point, the most common behaviour (population) i.e. the 'normal distribution" -Those outside of the normal distribution at the ends are perceived as abnormal

  -If we want to find abnormal behaviour, we can compare individuals to the population/normal distribution and identify those at the extreme ends
• Example of a normal distribution curve - Abnormality?


  Examples of these less common (rare) characteristics include; -Being more depressed (low mood score) -Having a lower IQ score compared to the majority of the population
• Evaluation of statistical infrequency to define abnormality - Clear and easy to use


  A strength of the SI definition is that it is clear and easy to use:

  This means it offers a clear-cut way of distinguishing between normal and abnormal behaviour which makes it easy for clinicians to use as part of making a diagnosis. For example, all assessment of patients with mental disorders includes some kind of measurement of how severe their symptoms are compared to the majority in society. This is positive as the SI definition is a useful part of clinical assessment.
• Evaluation of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality - Positive characteristics

  Another problem with SI is that it defines positive characteristics as abnormal:

  This means that the SI definition is unable to distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviours. For example, very few people have an IQ of over 150 (and could be regarded as a genius), yet this definition would view such people as abnormal even though most in society would argue this is a desirable trait. This is a problem as a good definition should only identify those in need of diagnosis and treatment
• What is failure to function adequately?

  The individual is defined a abnormal if they cannot cope with their daily lives, including their ability to interact with the world and meet their challenges
• What are Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) four key characteristics of 'failing to function adequately' ?

  -Maladaptive behaviour = Individuals behave in ways that go against their long-term interests

  -Personal anguish = The individual suffers from anxiety and distress

  -Observer discomfort = The individuals behaviour causes distress to those around them

  -Irrationality =It is difficult to understand the motivation behind the individuals

  -Unpredictability = Unexpected behaviour that may show a loss of control
• Evaluation of failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality - Economic factors

  One problem with this definition is that failing to function doesn't always indicate psychological abnormality:

  This means that sometimes people 'fail to function' due to external factors rather than anything to do with the person themselves. For example, holding down a job and supporting a family may be impossible due to the environmental climate or discrimination at work. This is problematic as these economic factors may cause the failure to function rather than any psychological abnormality.
• Evaluation of failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality - Patient's perspective


  A strength of the definition is that it tries to include the patient's perspective: This means that the FTFA definition acknowledges that the experience of the patient (and/or others) is important. For example, the level of distress experienced by the patient is considered when defining their behaviour as abnormal. This suggests that FTFA is a useful way of assessing abnormality.
• What is deviation from social norms?

  -A social norm is an unwritten expectation of behaviour that can vary from culture to culture and change over time -Additionally what is acceptable in one context may not be acceptable in another, and people wo deviate from these societal expectations may be seen as abnormal or social deviants
• Examples of norms that vary between cultures include?

  -Acceptance of homosexuality

  -Face and hair covering

  -Acceptable food and how to eat it

  -Level of modesty in clothing choices

  -Public displays of affection
• Evaluation of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality - culturally biased

  Furthermore, the definition may be culturally biased:

  This means norms or behaviours that are acceptable in one culture might not be acceptable in another. For example, women in the Suri tribe in Ethiopia are required by their culture to wear lip plates and this would be seen as unacceptable in Western society. This is a problem as it is argued a reliable definition should be consistent between cultures.
• Evaluation of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality - Appropriate


  A strength of the DSN definition is that it might be seen as a more appropriate definition of abnormality than the 'Statistical infrequency' definition:

  This means that DSN includes the issue of desirability of a behaviour, whereas SI does not. For example, a genius is statistically abnormal but most people wouldn't regard such socially desirable traits as 'abnormal'. This is a positive because it means DSN is a more useful in defining abnormality compared to some other definitions.
• What is Deviation from mental health?


  Marie Jahoda's definition comes from a human perspective focusing on ways to improve and become a better person rather than dysfunction or deficit -Jahoda identified six features of mental health and argues deprivation from these features indicates abnormality
• What are Jahoda's 6 features of ideal mental health?

  1.Autonomy - They should function as independent individuals.

  2. Perception of Reality - They should be able to 'see the world as it is'.

  3. Resistance to stress - Being able to cope with stressful situations.

  4. Mastery of the environment - The ability to adjust to new situations; (e.g. at work and in relationships with others).

  5. Self-attitudes - High self-esteem and a strong sense of self-identity.

  6. Self-actualisation and personal growth - Being focused on the future and on fulfilling their full potential.

  The fewer of these qualities you have, the more abnormal you are seen to be.
• Evaluation of Deviation from mental health as a definition of abnormality - Too idealistic


  One problem with this definition is that the characteristics are too idealistic:

  This means the criteria for optimal living are set too high. Evidence to support this comes from Maslow (1968) who argued that only a few people ever progress through the hierarchy of needs to achieve 'self-actualisation'. This is a limitation because the DIMH would consider most of us to be abnormal based on the high requirements of this definition
• Evaluation of Deviation from mental health as a definition of abnormality - Positive perspective

  A strength is that the definition offers a positive perspective on mental health: This means that the definition focuses on the positives (the desirable behaviours) rather than the negatives (the undesirable behaviours). For example, it sets out criteria we should all aspire to achieve in order to be psychologically healthy. This is positive as the definition might provide a useful focus for those with mental disorders trying to improve their mental health.