Definitions of Abnormality

• What are the 4 definitions of abnormality?

  Statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, and deviation from ideal mental health
• What is statistical infrequency?

  Abnormality is defined as those behaviours or characteristics that are extremely rare i.e. any behaviour that is found in very few people is regarded as abnormal.
• What is deviation from social norms?

  Abnormal behaviour is seen as a deviation from unstated rules about how one ‘ought’ to behave
• What is failure to function adequately?

  Abnormality is seen as lacking the ability to go about daily life resulting in distress to themselves or others
• What is deviation from ideal mental health?

  Abnormality is defined in terms of an absence of criteria which indicates good mental health.
• How can we distinguish between what is and isn't common behaviour?

  Using a normal distribution curve
• What is an example of a disorder which can be diagnosed using statistical infrequency?

  Intellectual disability disorder (having an IQ below 70)
• What are two examples of disorders which can be diagnosed using deviation from social norms?

  Antisocial personality disorder (Psychopathy), Schizotypal personality disorder
• Which other definition for abnormality can be applied to intellectual disability disorder?

  Failure to function adequately
• What are Jahoda's 6 criteria for ideal mental health?

  1. High self-esteem 2. Self-actualisation 3. Integration 4. Autonomy 5. Accurate perception of reality 6. Environmental mastery