Definitions of abnormality

• Statistical infrequency-

  Definition- relatively usual behaviour/characteristics can be seen as ‘normal’ but something seen as unusual is ‘abnormal’.

  IQ and intellectual disability disorder (IDD)-

  Average IQ is 100, normal distribution is (68%) scale 85-115, making them normal. 2% of people score below 70 so they are seen as ‘abnormal’ can receive a diagnosis of a psychological disorder (IDD).
• Statistical infrequency-

  S-Useful for clinical practice as a way of diagnosing and severity of symptoms.

  CPS-Can help those diagnosed, by getting benefits/help from others.

  W-Infrequent characteristics can be positive as well as negative (low IQ is seen as bad, but a high one is good and not abnormal) so isn’t sufficient for defining abnormality.

  CPW-Labels can lead to bullying or self hate due to being different.
• Deviation from social norms-

  • Norms deviate due to cultures and generations,
  • there are many that are seen as universally ‘abnormal’, like walking on all fours or barefoot.
  • Someone with antisocial personality disorder (psychopathy) has symptoms of being impulsive, aggressive and irresponsible.
  • When diagnosing they are judged on if they fit into social norms universally.
• Deviations from social norms-

  • S- Used in clinical practice for diagnosis through key characteristics.
  • CPS- Needed to be able to diagnose and provide help to make the communities safer for everyone.
  • CPW- labelling can lead to the right for their human rights to be abused.
  • W- Variety between social norms in cultures (hearing voices is normal in some cultures as its seen as the ancestors but is abnormal in the UK).
• Failure to function adequately-

  People can go between acting ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’, but they are seen as failing to function adequately when they are unable to maintain basic standards like hygiene or nutrition or maintain a job or relationships.

  Rosenhan and Seligman (1989)-

  Signs to determine if someone is to coping-

  • Disability to conform to standard interpersonal rules (eye contact in conversation).
  • Experiences sever personal distress.
  • Behaviour that’s irrational/damaging to themselves or others.
• Failure to function adequately-

  • S-Represents a sensible threshold for when someone needs professional help, letting the resources to be targeted at who needs them.
  • CPS-Some people need help/label to get the help they need to recover.
  • CPW-Different circumstances can cause people to not function adequately (grief).
  • W-Not easy to label non-standard lifestyles as abnormal (adrenaline junkies).
• Deviation from the ideal mental health-

  What makes someone ‘normal’? Jahoda (1958)-

  • No symptoms/ distress.
  • Rational and able to present themselves accurately.
  • Strive to reach their potential.
  • Can cope with stress.
  • Realistic view of the world.
  • Good self esteem and lack guilt.
  • Independent of other people.
  • Successfully work and enjoy leisure.
• Deviation from the ideal mental health-

  • S- Highly comprehensive since it’s a checklist which anyone can use to determine if you need professional help and what type (psychiatrist/therapy).
  • CPS-Something for people to look up to and work towards.
  • CPW-Impossible set of standards for people to look up to.
  • W-Contains different elements that aren’t able to be used cross-culturally (high independence in Germany but low in Italy).