definitions of abnormality

• statistical infrequency

  • a person's behaviour is classified abnormal if ity's rare or statistically unusual
  • it's important to be clear about how rare a behaviour is before classing it as abnoramal
  • e.g. someone may see an IQ below or aboput the average level is abnormal
• examples of statistical infrequency

  • dress code
  • body image
  • age of mother
• statistical infrequency limitations


  • how do we decide the cut off point for what is deemed abnoramal?
  • someone with an above or below average IQ level would neccessarily be abnormal but instead would be highly regarded for their intelligence
• statistical infrequency strengths

  • it does help to establish a cut off point for abnoramlity as it sets the criteria for defining abnoramlity and diagnosis
• deviation from social norms

  • behaviours that deviate from societies 'norms' are abnoramal
  • deviation from the rules regulating how one should behave are seen as undesirable by the majority in society
• deviation from social norms strength

  • it does distinguish between desirale and undesiravble behaviour
  • establishing social rules (norms) helps people live together
• deviation from social norms limitation

  • not a sole explanation - social norms change over time
  • have to consider context - it's normal to wear a bikini on the beach but not in a supermarket
  • have to consider the degree of behaviour -being rude would be considered deviant but how rude does one have to be before they're considered abnormal
  • norms are defined by culture - if a tribe family came to the UK they would be considered abnormal just because they have different norms than we do
• failure to function adequately

  • people who cant look after themselves or appear to be out of control are often viewed as dysfunctional
  • healthy people are judged as being able to operate within certain acceptable limits
• Rosenhan and Seligman (1989)


  Proposed 7 criteria that appear abnormal
• 7 criteria that appear abnormal


  • DISTRESS: Most abnormal people report they are suffering
  • MALADPTIVENESS: Maladaptive behaviour preventing a person from achieving, having fulfilling relationships or working effectively
  • IRRATIONAL: There is no reason why a person is behaving in a specific way
  • OBSERVER DISCOMFORT: When someone breaks unspoken societal rules, we experience discomfort
  • VIVIDNESS: it may be perceived as 'odd' or unusual / extreme
  • VIOLATION OF MORAL STANDARDS: When moral standards are violated
  • UNPREDICTABILITY: You can usually predict what most people would do in a situation. Dysfunctional behaviour is unpredictable and may lack control
• failure to function adequaltely limitation

  • who decides what is meant by failure to function adeqautely
  • people have dofferent daily expectations and habits
  • we all experience this at times in our lives and unusual behaviour may be a coping strategy for people going through a difficult time
• deviation from ideal mental health

  • deviating away from having a positive attitude towards yourself, resistance to stress and an accurate perception of reality
• Marie Jahoda (1958) - deviation from mental health

  • reviewed what others wrote about mental health and proposed the absence of the following criteria indicates abnoramlity or a mental disorder:
  • no symptoms of distress
  • rational and perceive ourselves accurately
  • self actualise (reach potential)
  • cope with stress
  • have a ralistic world view
  • good self esteem
  • independant
  • can successfully work, love and enjoy leisure
• deviation from ideal mental health limitations?

  • no one can achieveall of this criteria
  • how many must you lack to be considered abnormal?
  • is mental and physical health the same?