Definitions of Abnormality

DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY

Statistical Infrequency

- Statistics describe typical values.

- A frequency graph of behaviours tends to show a normal distribution.

- The extreme ends define what is not the norm, but instead is abnormal.

Evaluation

- Some behaviours are desirable, but this cannot distinguish desirable from undesirable abnormal behaviour.

- Cut-off point is subjective as it's important for deciding who gets treatment.

- Sometimes appropriate (e.g. for intellectual disability defined as less than 2 standard deviations below mean IQ)

Further Evaluation

- Cultural relativism (statistical frequency is relative to the reference population)

Failure to Function Adequately

- Being unable to manage everyday life (e.g. eating regularly)

- Lack of functioning is abnormal if it causes distress to themself and/or others.

- WHODAS used to provide a quantitative measure of functioning.

Evaluation

- Distress may be judged subjectively.

- Behaviour may be functional (e.g. depression may be rewarding for the individual)

- Strengths as the recognised subjective experience of individuals can be measured objectively.

​​​​​​Further Evaluation

- Cultural relativism (standards of everyday life vary between cultures so non-traditional lifestyles may be judged as inadequate)

Deviation from Social Norms

- Norms defined by a group of people/'society'.

- Standards of what is acceptable.

- May be implicit or defined by law.

Evaluation

- Susceptible to abuse as varies with changing attitudes/morals and can be used to incarcerate those who are nonconformists.

- Related to context and degree (e.g. shouting is normal in some places and in moderation)

- Strengths as can distinguishes desirable from undesirable behaviours, and considers effect on others.

​​​​​​Further Evaluation

- Cultural relativism (social norms of dominant culture used as basis of DSM, imposed on other cultural groups)

Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

- Jahoda identified characteristics commonly used when describing competent people.

- For example, high self-esteem, self-actualisation,, autonomy, accurate perception of reality, mastery of the environment.

Evaluation

- Unrealistic criteria as may not be useable because it's too ideal.

- Equates mental and physical health, whereas mental disorders tend to not have physical characteristics.

- Positive approach is a general part of the humanistic approach.

Further Evaluation

- Cultural-bound criteria (e.g. self-actualisation is not relevant to collectivist cultures.