Definition of abnormality

• Deviation from social norms

  Anyone who behaves differently and deviates from the socially created (unwritten) rules about what is considered acceptable behaviour is classed as abnormal
• Deviation from social norms

  • Time sensitive/ temporal validity
  • Cultural differences in what is considered normal
  • Difficult to decide how much a behaviour must deviate before its considered abnormal
  • Overlooks desirability - some behaviours are positive and some negative but both may be statistically abnormal e.g smart/ dumb
• Failure to function adequately


  Defines abnormality as when a person is unable to cope with simple day to day life and fails to complete basic tasks e.g washing clothes or talking to people i.e failing to function adequately
• Failure to function adequately


  • Subjective
  • Personal distress which is personal stress that the sufferer experiences due to the abnormality
  • Irrationality displaying behaviour that cannot be explained rationally
  • Maladaptive behaviour is when they display behaviour that prevents the person from achieving life goals both socially and occupationally
• Statistical infrequency

  Defines abnormality as behaviour that is statistically very rare e.g OCD affects 2-3% of the population. I.e if behaviour that is common is considered normal then behaviour that is uncommon can be considered abnormal
• Statistical infrequency

  • Some abnormal behaviour is desirable
  • This definition overlooks the fact that some behaviours are positive and some are negative but both may be statistically infrequent
• Ideal mental health


  Establishes what psychologically healthy individuals look like and then use this to identify individuals with absences of these behaviours
• Ideal mental health


  • The concept of ideal mental health may vary between cultures
  • Individualistic cultures emphasise personal control and individuals needs, therefore jahoda's criteria are more applicable to these cultures as they focus on the person themself e.g self actualisation
  • Collectivist cultures focus more on the group's needs rather than the individuals. I.e they strive for the greater good of the community rather than themselves and so criteria e.g self actualisation may not be applicable
  • It is a positive approach to defining abnormality because it looks at desirable behaviours rather than undesirable behaviours. Therefore giving the person personal goals to strive for to achieve an ideal mental health e.g by learning to deal with stressful situations 'autonomy'