Definitions of Abnormality

• Deviation from Social Norms


  Behaviour that goes against (deviates) the

  unwritten rules and norms in a given society or community.
• DSN strength


  Supports general ideas of abnormality - face validity
• DSN Limitation

  Cultural relativity - Social norms by their very definition vary tremendously from one community to another.
• Failure to Function Adequately (FFA)


  Behaviour suggests that they cannot cope with the demands of everyday life.
• FFA Strength


  Real life application- does seem to apply to the diagnosis of many disorders
• FFA Weakness


  Subjective judgement - in order to determine ‘failure to function adequately’ someone needs to decide what is

  ‘adequate’
• Statistical infrequency


  behaviour which is rare(uncommon).
• Statistical Infrequency Strength


  Statistical infrequency definition is objective and sometimes appropriate - objective way of deciding who is

  abnormal
• Statistical infrequency Limitation


  Behaviours that are statistically infrequent in one culture may be statistically more

  frequent in another, statistical

  infrequency merely reflects the statistical likelihood of seeking professional help
• Deviation from ideal mental health

  Positive attitudes towards the self, Self-actualisation and personal growth, Being resistant to stress, Personal autonomy, Accurate perception of reality, and Environmental mastery
• DIMH Strength


  focusing on the positives rather than

  the negatives and focuses on what is desirable rather than what is undesirable
• DIMH Limitation


  the characteristics listed by

  Jahoda above are rooted in Western societies and a Western view of personal growth and

  achievement.