Deviations from abnormality

• statistical deviation

  occurs when an individual has less common characteristics which is numerically unusual
• social norms

  created by a group of people, in every society there are standards of acceptable behaviour which are set by the social group and adhered to by those in the group
• failure to function adequately

  people are judged on their ability to cope with daily life if they are seen as coping, they are abnormal

  rosenham and seligman = suggests abnormality is defined as; when observer feels uncomfortable, when someone's behaviour is unpredictable, when behaviour is irrational and hard to understand
• deviation from ideal mental health

  occurs when someone doesn't meet a set of criteria for good mental health 

  jahoda = States an individual should strive to meet; No symptoms of distress, rational and can perceive ourselves accurately, self-actualise, cope with stress, have a realistic view of the world, good self-esteem and lack guilt, independent of others, successfully work, love, enjoy leisure
• statistical deviation A03

  practical applications in measuring IQ and mental disorders

  doesn't consider desirability of behaviour

  abnormality being viewed like this can lead to stigmatisation

  labelling as abnormal can have negative effects on how they view themselves
• social norms A03

  distinguishes between desirable and undesirable behaviours

  considers the effect that behaviour has on others

  susceptible to abuse

  not a clear line between what is abnormal deviation and what is simply eccentricity

  cultural differences
• failure to function adequately A03

  someone must decide whether the person if FTFA or if its personal distress

  lacks cultural relativism

  FTFA is context dependent

  behaviour may be due to economic or social conditions outside the individual's control
• deviation from ideal mental health A03

  positive approach as it focuses on positive and desirable traits rather than negative or undesirable

  unrealistic criteria

  lack cultural relativism