definitions of abnormality

• statistical infrequency implies that a disorder is abnormal if its more than 2 standard deviations from the mean incidence rates represented on a normally distributed bell curve. Statistical infrequency is almost always used in the clinical diagnosis of mental health disorders as a comparison with a baseline or ‘normal’ value. It also makes the assumption that any abnormal characteristics are automatically negative when having an abnormally high IQ is good
• Deviation of social norms suggests that ‘abnormal’ behaviour is based upon straying away from the social norms specific to a certain culture. Due to deviation from social norms reliance on subjective norms, this explanation sufferes from the social norms specific to a certain culture. Also, mental health diagnosis based on this definition vary so significantly between different cultures has historically led to discrimination as a mechanism for social control
• failure to function adequately suggests that if a person’s current mental state is preventing them from leading a ‘normal’ life, alongside the association normal levels of motivation and obedience to social norms, then they should be considered abnormal.
• deviation from ideal mental health was proposed by Jahoda and instead of focussing on abnormality, Jahoda looked at what would comprise the ideal mental state of an indivisual. The criteria include being able to self-actualise, having accurate perception of ourselves, not being distressed.
• One strength of statistical infrequency is its real world application. It is useful in diagnosis and is also helpful in assessing a range of conditions like the BDI assess depression. This means that statistical infrequency is useful in diagnostic and assessment processes
• One limitation of statistical infrequency is that unusual characteristics can also be positive. If very few people display a characteristic, then the behaviour is statically infrequent but doesn’t mean we would call them abnormal. IQ scores about 130 are just as unusual as those below 70, but not regarded as undesirable or needing treatment. This means that statistical infrequency is not useful in diagnostic and assessment processes
• One strength of deviation from social norms is its real world application. Deviation from social norms is useful in the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder because this requires failure to conform to ethical standards. Deviation from social norms is also helpful in diagnosing schizotypal personality disorder which involves ‘strange’ beliefs and behaviour. This means that deviation from social norms is useful in psychiatric diagnosis
• One limitation is that social norms are situationally and culturally relative. A person from one culture may label someone from another culture as abnormal using their standards rather than the other person’s standards. For example, hearing voices is socially acceptable in some cultures but would be seen as a sign of abnormality in the UK. This means it is difficult to judge deviation from social norms from one context to another.
• One strength of failure to function adequately is as a threshold for professional help. In any given year 25% of us experience symptoms of mental disorder to some degree. Most of the time we press on, but when cease to function adequately people seek or are referred for professional help. This means that the failure to function criteria provides a way to target treatment and services to those who need them most
• One limitation of failure to function adequately is that it can lead to discrimination/social control. It is hard to distinguish between failure to function and a conscious decision to deviate from social norms. For example, people may choose to love off grid as part of an alternative lifestyle choice or take part in high risk leisure activities. This means that people who make unusual choices can be labelled abnormal and their freedom of choice restricted
• One strength of deviation from ideal mental health is that it is comprehensive. Ideal mental health includes a range of criteria for mental health. It covers most of the reasons why we might need help with mental health. This means that mental health can be discussed meaningfully with a range of professionals. Therefore ideal mental health provide a checklist against which we can assess ourselves and others
• One limitation of deviation from ideal mental health is that the definition may be culture bound. Some criteria for ideal mental health are limited to US and Europe. Even in Europe there are variations in the value placed on independence (high in Germany, low in Italy). This means that it is very difficult to apply the concept of ideal metal health from one culture to another.