Definitions of abnormality

• Outline statistical infrequency?

  Statistical infrequency Implies that a behaviour is abnormal if its frequency is more than two standard deviations away from the mean incidence rates represented on a normal distributed bell curve. For example, Schizophrenia is a condition seen in 1 in a 100 people, making it statistically rare. 
• what are the strengths of statistical infrequency?

  One strength of statistical infrequency is that it is almost always used in the clinical diagnoses of mental health disorders as it objectively measures abnormality with no bias or judgement. This method is quick and easy to do.
• what are the weaknesses for statistical infrequency (brief) ?

  abnormal characteristics are sometimes positive

  some abnormal characteristics are more common than 2 standard deviations

  cultural variations
• elaborate on abnormal characteristics being positive as a weakness for statistical infrequency?

  However, statistical infrequency makes the assumption that any abnormal characteristics are automatically negative, whereas this is not always the case. For example, displaying abnormal levels of intelligence shown through a high IQ would rarely be looked down upon as negative characteristics which require treatment. 
• elaborate on common disorders as a weakness of statistical infrequency?

  Furthermore, some disorders like depression are missed through this format of diagnosing. For example approximately 280 million people in the world suffer from depression yet because it is not statistically infrequent, it is not abnormal and needing diagnosed/treated. 
• elaborate on cultural differences as a weakness for statistical infrequency?

  Finally, there is no consideration of cultural differences at all as it argues that the population of the world are contained within the normal distribution. There are variances between cultures and the mathematical nature of this definition does not allow for this. This ultimately means that abnormality could be widespread in one culture because of its comparison with the rest of the world.
• outline failure to function adequately?

  Failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality was proposed by Rosenhan and

  Seligman (1989), suggesting that if a person’s current mental state is preventing them from leading a ‘normal’ life, e.g. unable to attend work/school, they are abnormal. They proposed a checklist consisting of seven sections: unpredictability, maladaptive behaviour, personal distress, irrationality, observer discomfort, violation of moral standards and unconventionality.
• What are the strengths of failure to function adequately?

  One strength of this definition is that it takes into account the patients subjective perspective, leading to a more accurate diagnosis, additionally the behaviour is observable e.g. not getting out of bed, so problems can be highlighted to other individuals who can then ensure they get help. 

  Furthermore, the Global Assessment Functioning Scale (GAF) allows the extent of failure to function adequately to be established, objectifying the definition and creating a clear threshold for help. 
• what are the weaknesses of failure to function adequately (brief)?

  lack of clarity/cultural relativism

  some abnormal behaviours don’t fit this classification

  doesnt consider when it is appropriate to behave abnormally
• elaborate on the lack of clarity as a weakness fo failure to function adequately?

  However, one weakness of this definition is the lack of clarity on every day life, holding possible cultural relativism e.g. some cultures find it common to have siestas and frequently move house yet that can be seen as abnormal in other cultures. 
• elaborate on some abnormal behaviours not fitting this classification as a weakness of failure to function adequately?

  Some abnormal behaviour has no effect on functioning adequately i.e. some people with mental disorders may appear fine, for example Harold Shipman was seen as a respectable doctor yet murdered over 200 patients. 
• elaborate on some behaviours being appropriate as a weakness for failure to function adequately?

  Finally, this definition does not consider when it is normal to behave abnormally, for example at the loss of a loved one, through a divorce, or taking exams. Meaning that people may be misdiagnosed with a mental disorder or prejudice may form as normal emotions are seen as abnormal. In extremity, this could cause people to hide emotions from a fear of being judged which could lead to more poorer mental health within society which is the opposite of what is intended.  
• outline deviation from social norms?

  Deviation from social norms implies that ‘abnormal’ behaviour is anything not socially accepted within the culture. For example, an individual would be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder (APD) if they behave aggressively towards strangers. 
• what are the strengths of deviation from social norms?

  One strength of this definition is its flexibility through its use of a social dimension. For example it may be normal for a 1-year-old to be carried everywhere by its parent, but this would be abnormal if it was a 50-year-old. Through this misdiagnosis are less common and society is protected as mental disorders are recognised and treated. 
• outline the weaknesses of deviation from social norms?


  norms change over time

  norms change over cultures

  individualistic/ eccentric people
• elaborate on time specificity as a weakness for deviation from social norms?

  However, one weakness of this definition is its time specificity. By defining abnormality through norms it must be accounted for that norms change over time. For example homosexuality was deemed abnormal in our culture in the past in the UK but today it is accepted and homophobia is a crime. This means that the social norms in question will need to be constantly updated requiring time and effort, whilst causing a lack of clarity between generations. 
• elaborate on cultural specificity as a weakness for deviation from social norms?

  Similarly, this definition is also culturally specific meaning it is difficult to compare and causes the explanation to be extremely complex. For example, walking around barefoot in London, would be seen as abnormal, however, in a tribal community, it is much more common. 
• elaborate on individualistic / eccentric people as a weakness for deviation from social norms?

  Finally, this definition does not account for those who do not conform to social norms but are not abnormal, such as those that are individualistic or eccentric in their behaviour, potentially misdiagnosing them and creating prejudice which can lead to people hiding their individuality removing the uniqueness from society.  
• outline deviation from ideal mental health?

  Deviation from ideal mental health implies that instead of focusing on abnormality, we should look at what would comprise the ideal mental state of an individual. Marie Jahoda (1958) suggested there are 6 characteristics an individual should display if they have an idea of mental health, these are: 

  Positive attitudes towards one's self 

  Self actualisation

  Autonomy

  resistance to stress

  Accurate perception of reality

  Environment mastery (easily adjusting to new situations) 
• what are the strengths of deviation from ideal mental health?

  One strength of this definition is its positive outlook on life. It allows patients to set themselves clear goals which help them to achieve ideal mental health. 
• outline the weaknesses for deviation from ideal mental health?

  unrealistic expection of ideal mental health

  difficult to objectively measure

  cultural specificity
• elaborate on unrealistic expections of ideal on deviation from ideal mental health?

  The main issue with this definition of abnormality is that Jahoda may have had an unrealistic expectation of ideal mental health, with the vast majority of people being unable to acquire and maintain, all of the criteria listed. This means that the majority of the population would be considered abnormal, even if they have missed a single criteria.
• elborate on difficult to objectively measure as a weakness of deviation from ideal mental health?

  Furthermore these criteria are very difficult to objectively measure, therefore, deviation from ideal mental health may be considered a very limited method of diagnosing mental health disorders.
• elaborate on cultural specificity as a weakness of deviation from ideal mental health?

  For example, the concept of self-actualisation (we must each put ourselves first in order to achieve our full potential) may be viewed as selfish in collectivist cultures (e.g. China) where the needs of the group are valued more. but a more popular concept in individualist cultures (e.g. the UK), where personal achievement is celebrated over the needs of the group. This suggests that deviation from ideal mental health would only be accepted as a definition for abnormality in some (individualist) cultures.