Definitions of abnormality

• deviation from social norms AO1

  if a behaviour or thinking of an individual violates the social norms about what is acceptable

  a social norm is an unwritten rule about what is acceptable within a particular society
• deviation from social norms AO3


  -cultural relativism - what is normal in one culture may be abnormal in another

  -hindsight bias - norms change over time eg homosexuality

  -not a complete explanation
• failure to function adequately AO1


  a person considered abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life and life independently in society. a persons behaviour should cause personal suffering and distress, potentially causing stress to others who observe this behaviour
• failure to function adequately AO3

  -individual differences - may.have same psychological and behavioural symptoms, each person would be diagnosed differently

  + considers subjective personal experiences - doesn't make a judgement without taking persons viewpoint of suffering into consideration

  -confusion distinguishing between FTF and deviation from social norms
• Statistical infrequency AO1


  behaviour seen as abnormal if it is statistically uncommon or not seen very often in society

  uses a bell curve to distinguish behaviour - normal distribution curve

  for example the average IQ is 100 and 65% of the population have an IQ in the range of 85 to 115, 95% of the population have an iq in the region of 70 to 130. approximately 5% have an IQ below 70 and above 130, these people would be considered abnormal
• statistical infrequency AO3


  -misdiagnosis - some behaviours are statistically uncommon, approximately 10% of the population will experience depression making this behaviour 'normal'

  -labelling - may contribute to a poor self image or become an invitation for discrimination

  -some 'abnormalities' may be desirable traits eg a high IQ
• deviation from ideal mental health AO1


  Jahoda proposed abnormal behaviour should be defined by the absence of ideal characteristics. she proposed 6 principles of IDM:

  • high self esteem
  • capable of self actualisation
  • accurate view of reality
  • able to resist stress
  • master your environment
• deviation from ideal mental health AO3


  -unrealistic criteria - everyone will experience stress but this doesn't make them abnormal

  +positive and holistic stance - focuses on the positives and desirable behaviour rather than negative behaviour, taking the person as a whole

  -cultural relativism, some of criteria could be considered from a western origin, personal growth considered overly self centred