Definitions Of Abnormality AO3

Question 1

Statistical Infrequency - AO3

Answer 1

Strengths
- No value judgements (homosexuality)
- Based on real data (Unbiased)

Limitations
- Cultural Factors
-Not all infrequent behaviour = Abnormal (desirable)

Question 2

Deviation from ideal mental health - AO3

Answer 2

Strength
-Positivity
-Goal setting (self-growth)

Limitations
- Over demanding
- Context (clothes at nudist beach = abnormal)

Question 3

Deviation from social norms - AO3

Answer 3

Strengths
- Helps people (beneficial to lives)
- Protects Society (effects of abnormal behaviour)

Limitations
- Cultural (different ‘norms’)
- Abused for political purposes (Couldn’t speak out about Soviet Union)

Question 4

The failure to function adequately - AO3

Answer 4

Strengths
- Checklist (assess level of abnormality)
- Assesses level of abnormality(psychiatric help)

Limitations
- Abnormality does not = dysfunction (Harold Shipman)
- Cultural differences ( Norms different in different cultures)