Definitions of abnormality

• What are the definitions of abnormality

  1. Statistical infrequency
  2. Deviation from social norms
  3. Failure to function adequately
  4. Deviation from ideal mental health
• Positive of Statistical infrequency


  Real world application - Clinical practice
• Drawbacks of Statistical infrequency

  Unusual characteristics can be positive - eg IQ
• Positive of deviation from social norms


  Real world application - clinical practice
• Negative of deviation from social norms

  Cultural and situational relativism
• Positive of failure to function adequately


  Represents a sensible threshold for help
• Negative of failure to function adequately

  Discrimination and social control - could label a non standard lifestyle as abnormal
• Positive of deviation from derail mental health

  A comprehensive definition - Range of criteria
• Negative of deviation from derail mental health 


  Could be culture bound