Definitions of abnormality

Question 1

Statistical infrequency

Answer 1

When behaviour falls outside range normal for most people
Frequency is more than 2.5-3 standard deviations way from the mean

Question 2

Statistical infrequency evaluation

Answer 2

Strength= objective- its mathematical nature makes it clear when defining if a behaviour is abnormal or not. no opinion involved so no bias

Limitation= usual/positive characteristics can be considered abnormal such as high IQ (statistically abnormal but not considered abnormal in society
insufficient definition on its own, lacks validity

Question 3

Deviation from social norms

Answer 3

when behaviour deviates from the standards of acceptable behaviour/norms

Question 4

Deviation from social norms evaluation

Answer 4

strength= useful helps society so we can protect society by identifying what is not normal such as paranoid delusions can be labelled as abnormal etc

Limitation= ethnic differences- dictated by the majority so a practice in a minority ethnic group will be deemed abnormal, creating a lack of understanding and conflict between cultures

Question 5

Failure to function adequately

Answer 5

Unable to lead a normal life or engage in normal behaviour (ie hold job)
doesn’t obey social and interpersonal rules etc

irrationality (doesn’t make sense)
observer discomfort
unpredictability
personal distress
violation of modern standards
uncoventionality

Question 6

Failure to function adequately evaluation

Answer 6

strength= suggests free will, focuses on individual and how they manage everyday life. if someone feels they are struggling they can be deemed abnormal and get help

Limitation= everyday life varies, this definition is very subjective and could lead to stereotypes and discrimination

Cultural relativism – what is considered adequate in one culture might not be so in another.
• FFA might not be linked to abnormality but to other factors. Failure to keep a job may be due to the economic situation not to psychopathology.
• FFA is context dependent; not eating can be seen as failing to function adequately but prisoners on hunger strikes making a protest can be seen in a different light.

Question 7

Deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 7

Jahoda- an attempt to define normality and assumes absence of normality is abnormality

1.Having a positive view of self
2.Being capable of personal growth
3.Being independent and autonomous
4.Having an accurate view of reality
5.Being resistant to stress
6.Being able to adapt to your environment

Question 8

Deviation from ideal mental health evaluation

Answer 8

strength= useful, allows for clear goals to be set and worked towards to achieve ideal mental health, jahoda says it creates normality

limitation= not possible to achieve all- criteria basically impossible to achieve for most people, this would mean most people are abnormal, the criteria is also vague, subjective and difficult to measure