Definitions of Abnormality Flashcards
(11 cards)
What are the 4 definitions of abnormality?
- Deviation from social norms
- Failure to function adequately
- Statistical infrequency
- Deviation from ideal mental health
What is the definition of Deviation from Social Norms?
A person is abnormal if they behave in a way that goes against societal standards.
Norms can be explicit (written rules) or implicit (unwritten expected behaviours). Example: OCD sufferers who switch a light on/off repeatedly would be considered abnormal.
What are the limitations of Deviation from Social Norms?
Subjective and culturally relative; norms differ by age, context, and culture. Norms change over time; not always linked to mental illness.
Example: In Britain, Afro-Caribbean people are 7x more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia due to misinterpreting cultural behaviours.
What is the definition of Failure to Function Adequately?
A person is abnormal if they experience distress and cannot cope with everyday life. Their behaviour is maladaptive and may cause distress to others.
Example: Depression causes low mood → can’t get out of bed or go to work.
What are the strengths of Failure to Function Adequately?
Objective measures available: Uses GAF scale to rate functioning (1–100).
What are the limitations of Failure to Function Adequately?
Still partly subjective; not all dysfunction = abnormality; some disorders don’t involve dysfunction.
Example: high-functioning depression or successful psychopaths.
What is the definition of Statistical Infrequency?
A person is abnormal if their behaviour is statistically rare, falling 2+ standard deviations from the mean on a normal distribution curve.
Example: OCD or schizophrenia affect ~1% of the population.
What are the strengths of Statistical Infrequency?
Objective definition based on maths and frequency, reducing bias in diagnosis.
What are the limitations of Statistical Infrequency?
Cut-off points can be arbitrary; rare ≠ undesirable; common disorders overlooked.
Example: Depression is widespread, so wouldn’t be considered abnormal by this definition.
What is the definition of Deviation from Ideal Mental Health?
Abnormality is defined as failing to meet Jahoda’s six criteria for ideal mental health. xamples of these criteria include having a high self-esteem, achieving self-actualisation, being able to resist stress, having an accurate perception of reality, and possessing the ability to master your environment e.g. work, form relationships etc.
Example: Depression involves low self-esteem, distorted thinking → fails to meet criteria.
What are the limitations of Deviation from Ideal Mental Health?
Subjective criteria; overly demanding.
Example: Most people wouldn’t meet all six criteria → nearly everyone would be labelled abnormal.
