abnormality definitions

• deviation from social norms:

  explicit-laws of society

  implict-“agreed rules” of society
• statistical infrequency-statistically rare behaviour is abnormal, the further away from the mean the more abnormality
• failure to function adequately- the more criteria met the more likely for diagnosis,Rosenhan and Siegman
• failure to function adequately criteria:

  -unconventilaity of behaviour

  -unpredictability

  -observer discomfort

  -severe personal distress

  -irrational behaviour which may cause danger to self or others

  -violatiby social or moral standards
• deviation from ideal mental health-we diegine psychical health from looking at what is different from ideal psychical health so we should consider a similar approach for mental health,Jahoda
• Criteria of ideal mental health,Jahoda:

  -Resistance to stress (coping mechanisms with stress)

  -Accurate perception of reality

  -Personal autonomy (independence)

  -Positive attitude to self

  -Adapation to environment (change)

  -Seof actualisation (full potential)