definitions of abnormality

• Abnormality


  Incredibly hard to define in psychology
• Psychologists disagree about the causes of mental disorders
• Possible causes of abnormalities

  • Flawed biology
  • Learning difficulties
  • Personality
• Psychologists cannot agree on the causes of abnormalities, which makes it hard to define
• Deviation from social norms

  One way to define abnormal behaviour, is to see if it goes against the societal norms
• Social norms vary in each society, they are a set of unwritten rules to follow
• Abnormal behaviour


  Behaviour that is deemed undesirable and labels those individuals as socially deviant
• Social norms are specific to the culture we currently live in and are often different for different generations and cultures
• Homosexuality was deemed abnormal in the UK in the past but is now accepted, while it is still seen as abnormal and illegal in some other cultures globally
• Using 'Deviation from social norms' as a definition of abnormality

  • Allows for developmental norms
  • Gives a social dimension to the idea of abnormality
  • Protects society from abnormal behaviour
  • Distinguishes between normal and abnormal
  • Allows society to get involved in helping individuals with abnormal behaviour
• This definition does not explain abnormality changing over time
• This definition is based on western societal norms and reflects the majority, which is a white population
• This definition does not make it clear how to deal with cultural differences in normal and abnormal behaviour
• 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
• Failure to function adequately


  States individuals are abnormal when they are unable to cope with everyday life and this is evident in their behaviour
• Abnormal behaviours


  • Distress leading to not being able to function
  • Behaviour that interrupts the individual's ability to work or go to school
• Rosenhan and Seligman's Features of Personal Dysfunction


  • Personal Distress
  • Maladaptive Behaviour
  • Unpredictability
  • Irrationality
  • Observer Discomfort
  • Violations of Moral Standards
  • Unconventionality
• Personal Distress


  Displaying behaviour which causes person stress to the sufferer e.g. not being able to hold down a job and so having a limited income
• Maladaptive Behaviour


  Displaying behaviour stopping individuals from attaining life goals both socially and occupationally
• Unpredictability


  Displaying unexpected behaviours characterised by loss of control e.g. quitting a course after one bad mark in a test
• Irrationality


  Displaying behaviour that cannot be explained rationally
• Observer Discomfort


  Displaying behaviour causes discomfort to observers e.g not keeping good hygiene so it is unpleasant to be around that person
• Violations of Moral Standards


  Displaying behaviour violating social norms e.g. loudly talking to oneself, loudly in the street
• Unconventionality


  Displaying unconventional behaviours
• Strengths of 'Failure to function adequately' as a definition of abnormality

  • Observable behaviour
  • Checklist
  • Personal perspective
  • Represents a threshold for help
• Limitations of 'Failure to function adequately' as a definition of abnormality


  • Discrimination
  • Abnormality is normal
  • Abnormality and dysfunction do not always go together
• Deviation from ideal mental health


  This definition assesses mental health in the same way physical health is assessed
• Ideal mental health


  • Positive attitudes towards one's self
  • Self actualisation
  • Autonomy
  • Integration
  • Accurate perception
  • Environment mastery
• Positive attitudes towards one's self


  • High levels of self-esteem and a strong sense of identity
  • Knowing where you fit in the world
• Self Actualisation


  • Personal growth and development
  • Developing yourself and achieving the goals you set yourself in life (e.g. Completing your exams to the best of your ability, buying a house, or getting your dream job)
• Autonomy


  • Autonomy and ability to act independently from others, self-regulation
  • Being able to work on your own and work out problems that may arise
  • If you were left on your own, you would be okay and would be able to work things out for yourself
• Integration


  • Resisting stress and being able to cope in stressful situations
  • Although we all face stressful situations, most should have the ability to accept and deal with them (e.g. Coping with tight deadlines, celebrations, and moving house)
• Statistical infrequency


  Also known as statistical deviation, uses statistics to determine the difference between normal and abnormal behaviour
• Accurate perception of reality

  • Having a realistic view of the world and not a distorted view
  • Understanding how the world works (e.g. If you were to be unsuccessful at a job interview, you could see that it may be that the other candidate was a better fit for the job and it is not about you as a person)
• Abnormal behaviour


  • Statistically uncommon/unusual, not present often or regularly per society
• Environmental mastery


  • Meeting the demands of the environment and situation you are in, adapting
  • This is the ability to adapt to your different environments and act accordingly in them (e.g. In a romantic relationship, being loving with your partner whilst at work, maintaining professional relationships with your boss)
• Abnormal behaviour


  • IQ below 70 or above 130 (5% of population)
  • Schizophrenia (0.33% of population)
• Deviation from Ideal Mental Health: Evaluation
• Rare behaviours/conditions are considered statistically abnormal
• Strengths of using 'Deviation of mental health' as a definition of abnormality


  • Holistic (looks at the whole person and their behaviour, instead of focusing on singular behaviours)
  • Comprehensive (includes a range of reasons as to why individuals may need help with their mental health, and a range of criteria for distinguishing mental health from illness)
  • Positive approach (focuses on positive behaviours and what is desirable instead of undesirable behaviours)
  • Consistent (provides a consistent and standardised measurement for those looking at both positive and negative mental health)