definitions of abnormality

• Deviation from social norms (DSN) 


  Concerns behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society
• Failure to function adequately (FFS)


  Occurs when someone is unable to cope with the demands of day-to-day living
• Statistical infrequency(AO1)

  • Occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic
  • For example being more depressed or less intelligent than most of the population
  • Not often seen in society
  • Rare, not exhibited by many
• Deviation from ideal mental health (DIMH)


  Occurs when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health
• Jahoda (1958) suggested that we are in good mental health if we meet the following criteria:

  • We have no symptoms or distress
  • We are rational and can perceive ourselves accurately
  • We self-actualise (strive to reach our potential)
  • We can cope with stress
  • We have a realistic view of the world
  • We have good self-esteem and lack guilt
  • We are independent of other people
  • We can successfully work, love and enjoy our leisure
• One strength for failure to function adequately is

  • Represents a sensible threshold for when people need professional help
  • Treatment and services can be given to those who need it most
• One limitation of failure to function adequately is

  • Discrimination and social control
  • Easy to label non-standard life choices as abnormal so in practice it can be hard to say whether someone is failing to function or simply deviating from social norms
  • Unusual life choices labelled as abnormal, restricts freedom of choice
• Failure to function adequately may not be abnormal like during bereavement where someone is reacting to difficult circumstances