AO3

• positives for statistical infrequency 


  objective as it uses a standardised measurement, so no interpretation or bias.
• positives for deviation from social norms

  flexible as what is considered abnormal adapts to societal norms
• positives for failure to function adaqueltly

  takes into account subjective experiences, allowing is to view mental disorder from view point of the person
• negatives for statistical deviation

  • some abnormal behaviour is desirable, like high IQ
  • excludes a range of disorders as some disorders aren't statistically rare, depression is common
• negatives for deviation from social norms

  subjective, as there's no cut off point so how far does someones behaviour need to deviate from social norms for it to class as abnormal

  culture bias ethnocentric view point as one cultures definition for abnormality may be another cultures normal
• negatives for failure to function adequately

  • some people with abnormalities function fine, like criminals
  • doesn't consider situation as if you was grieving would be considered abnormal not to show these symptoms
  • doesn't consider how extreme the behaviour needs to be, as everyone may experience these symptoms from time to time
• negatives for deviation from mental health

  • unrealistically high standard as most people wont meet all of these at the same time
  • ethnocentric criteria is based on westernised culture, so may not apply to other cultures
  • criteria is difficult to measure