Definitions of abnormality

• Definitions of abnormality


  • Statistical infrequency
  • Deviation from social norms
  • Failure to function adequately
  • Deviation from ideal mental health
• Statistical in frequency


  Abnormality definition based on numbers and mathematical normal distribution curve. Behavior that is uncommon or statistically rare within a society is considered abnormal.
• Statistical in frequency definition

  • Strength: Objective, based on numbers and mathematical, no bias or subjective nature
  • Weakness: Abnormal or maladaptive behavior can happen quite frequently within the population, culturally biased and doesn't account for cultural differences
• Deviation from social norms


  Behavior that goes against the unwritten rules, values and attitudes within a society, based on historical and cultural context
• Deviation from social norms definition

  • Strength: Flexible, recognizes that context plays an important part in defining abnormality
  • Weakness: Not always clear what is abnormal and normal, cultural differences can lead to misdiagnosis
• Failure to function adequately


  When a person is unable to cope with everyday life, behavior that is considered irrational or dangerous to themselves or others
• Failure to function adequately definition


  • Strength: Observable, people can intervene and provide support
  • Weakness: Abnormality doesn't always stop a person from functioning adequately, people can hide their condition
• Deviation from ideal mental health

  Not meeting the criteria for ideal mental health as defined by Jahoda, including accurate perception of self, environmental mastery, ability to cope with stress
• Deviation from ideal mental health definition

  • Strength: Allows targeted intervention and treatment
  • Weakness: Ethnocentric, based on Western individualistic views, may not be applicable to collectivist cultures