Definitions of Abnormality

Question 1

what are the different definitions of abnoramilty

Answer 1

deviation from social norms
statistical infrequency
failure to function inadequately
deviation from ideal mental health

Question 2

statistical infrequency

Answer 2

statistically unusual behaviour

Question 3

deviation from scoial norms

Answer 3

behaviour that differs from expectations or norms of society

Question 4

failure to function adequetly

Answer 4

when someone cant cope with demands of everday life

Question 5

deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 5

when someone doesn’t meet a set criteria for good mental health

Question 6

ao3 for statistical infrequency

Answer 6

+ Application: useful as part of diagnosis and assessing severity. (Beck depression inventory).

• Unusual characteristics can be positive and not abnormal, e.g. high IQ.

Question 7

ao3 for deviation from social norms

Answer 7

+ Application: used in clinical practice to diagnose antisocial personality disorder.

• Norms are culture bound and change with time. E.g. hearing voices from ancestors is normal in some
  cultures but not the UK.

Question 8

ao3 for failure to function adequetly

Answer 8

+ Gives a threshold for professionals to use when deciding when to give help.

• Can be used as a form of social control and restricting freedoms of people who make unusual choices.

Question 9

ao3 deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 9

+ Comprehensive definition with a range of criteria. Allows us to assess ourselves and others and discuss
issues with a range of professionals.

• Culture bound as many criteria apply to western society or individualistic and not collectivist cultures.