Abnormalities

• Abnormality- abnormal behaviour is human behaviour that is unusual or rare
• Statistical infrequency- a behaviour, trait or characteristic that is found in very few people and is not frequently seen in the population Eg low IQ the normal distribution of IQ would be in the middle at 100 below this level a person is regarded statistically infrequent and abnormal and likely to receive a diagnosis of a psychological disorder such as intellectual disability disorder.
• What is meant by statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality

  A disorder is abnormal if its frequency is more than 2 standard deviations away from the mean incidence rates represented on a normally distributed bell curve
• Real life application One strength of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality is its practical usefulness, particularly in clinical settings. This approach objectively identifies abnormality based on measurable, statistically frequent or infrequent characteristics.
• For instance, in diagnosing intellectual disability disorder, an IQ below 70 is a criterion for diagnosis. Similarly, tools like the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) use statistical cut-off points, with a score of 30 or higher indicating severe depression. These examples demonstrate how the statistical infrequency definition is effectively employed in both diagnostic and assessment processes, highlighting its value in clinical practice.
• Unusual characteristics can be positive One limitation of statistical infrequency is that it does not distinguish between desirable and undesirable characteristics. While some statistically infrequent traits, such as a high IQ above 130, are considered positive, the definition would still classify them as abnormal. However, we would not typically view someone as abnormal simply for possessing such a desirable trait.
• This highlights a key weakness of the statistical infrequency definition, as it assumes that being unusual or at the extreme end of a psychological spectrum inherently implies abnormality, which is not always the case.
• Deviation of social norms –

  Behaviour that is different from how most people behave if a person deviates from social norms they are seen as abnormal.

  Eg. Polygamy ( marrying more than one person) Eating with hands in a restaurant Singing loudly on a train Kissing in public Wearing pyjamas in school Checking for your keys every hour Homosexuality
• Psychopathy – a person with antisocial personality disorder is impulsive, aggressive and irresponsible according to DSM-5 important symptoms of antisocial personality disorder is an absence of prosocial internal standards associated with failure to conform to lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour. Social norms across society’s are not all the same therefore what may be seen as abnormal in one culture may not be in another. Social norms can be explicit or implicit which are most likely broken when abnormality occurs.
• One strength of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality is its practical application in clinical practice. For example, one of the key characteristics of antisocial personality disorder is a failure to conform to culturally accepted ethical behaviour, such as recklessness, aggression, deceitfulness, or violating the rights of others.
• These behaviours are clear deviations from social norms and play a significant role in the diagnostic process. Similarly, deviations from social norms are considered in the diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder. This demonstrates the value of the deviation from social norms criterion in psychiatry, particularly in identifying and diagnosing certain mental health conditions.
• A limitation of deviation from social norms is that it can be seen as a form of social control. What is deemed abnormal is often determined by societal values, meaning behaviours that society disapproves of can be labelled as undesirable or abnormal. However, challenging social norms is sometimes necessary for societal progress.
• For example, Rosa Parks' defiance of racial segregation norms was not an indication of abnormality or mental illness but a catalyst for positive change. This highlights a significant limitation of the definition, as it may pathologize behaviour that is not harmful but instead promotes social progress.
• Failure to function adequately- 


  failing to function everyday by no longer conforming to standard interpersonal rules
• Rosenhan and Seligman suggested characteristics that define failure to function adequately No longer oncoming to standard interpersonal rules eg not maintaining eye contact or personal space Severe personal distress Maladaptiveness ( danger to self)
• One strength of this definition is that it helps individuals recognize when they may need professional help. Many people experience symptoms of mental disorders to some extent during their lives, but they may only pay attention to severe symptoms. This definition encourages individuals to identify when they are struggling to cope with day-to-day life, prompting them to seek professional support and, if necessary, receive a formal diagnosis. .
• By enabling individuals to take ownership of their psychological health, this definition highlights its practical usefulness in promoting self-awareness and early intervention
• One limitation of the "failure to function" definition is that it does not always indicate psychological abnormality. For example, someone who loses their job may struggle to get up and go to work or earn money for their family, which can cause significant personal distress.
• This is a common response to certain life events, and almost everyone experiences such distress at some point. However, this does not necessarily indicate a psychological abnormality. This limitation suggests that environmental factors, such as job loss, can cause a failure to function, rather than an underlying psychological disorder. Therefore, this challenges the validity of using this definition to identify abnormality, as it may not accurately distinguish between normal responses to external stressors and true mental health conditions.
• Deviation from ideal mental health -

  not having ideal mental health such as positive attitude this should be at a good level so the individual feels happy with them self eg self-actualisation
• Marie jahoda suggested good mental health is when we display We have no symptoms of distress Rational and able to perceive ourselves accurately We self-actualise (thrive to reach our full potential) We can cope with stress We have a realistic view of the world We have good self-esteem and lack of guilt We are independent of other people We can successfully work, love and enjoy our leisure time According to jahoda any deviation from this criteria would lead to abnormality
• A strength of the "ideal mental health" definition is that it takes a more positive view of mental illness. Unlike other definitions that focus on identifying negative behaviors or symptoms that are deemed abnormal, this approach emphasizes desirable characteristics and well-being.
• By outlining key aspects of ideal mental health, such as self-esteem, autonomy, and personal growth, this definition allows for treatment and intervention to be guided by what is lacking in an individual's mental health. This positive approach provides a checklist against which individuals can assess themselves, encouraging discussions with professionals about how to improve overall well-being, rather than simply addressing what is "wrong."
• A limitation of the "Ideal Mental Health" definition is that its criteria may not be equally applicable across different cultures. Jahoda's emphasis on personal growth (self-actualization) and individual autonomy is rooted in Western, individualistic cultures, such as those in Germany and the USA. In contrast, these values may not be as relevant or valued in collectivist cultures, where community and interdependence are prioritized.
• The concept of self-actualization could be seen as self-indulgent or irrelevant in such societies. This means the definition is ethnocentric , reflecting a Western worldview, and may not be suitable for use in cultures where different values dominate. Therefore, it is difficult to apply the concept of ideal mental health universally across diverse cultural contexts.