Defining abnormality

Question 1

Definition of abnormality

Answer 1

To describe a range of thinking and behaviours

Question 2

Outline statistical infrequency

Answer 2

Mathematical method. If a behaviour occurs rarely, then it is abnormal.

Question 3

Evaluate statistical infrequency

Answer 3

+ It is objective, based on statistics so reduces individual opinion.

• Abnormal behaviours can occur frequently e.g depression. Doesn’t look at whether the behaviour is problematic.

Question 4

Outline deviation from social norms

Answer 4

A social norm is the expected way of behaving in society . Abnormality is when a behaviour does not fit what is socially acceptable.

Question 5

Evaluate deviation from social norms

Answer 5

+ Temporal validity: abnormality changes as social norms change.

• Ethnocentric: abnormality is viewed differently in different cultures e.g hearing voices.

Question 6

Outline failure to function adequately

Answer 6

Considered abnormal if an individual cannot cope with the demand of everyday life. Rosenhan and seligman criteria:
- personal suffering
- danger to self
- stands out
- unpredictable
- irrational
- observer discomfort
- violates moral standards

Question 7

Outline GAF and WHO DAS 2.0

Answer 7

Measures how well people function in life. Takes into account Rosenhan and Seligman’s criteria.

Question 8

Evaluate failure to function adequately, GAF and WHO DAS 2.0

Answer 8

+ Holistic, takes into account a range of factors
+ GAF quantifies abnormality so it is easier to measure

• Some abnormal behaviour is missed
• ‘function adequately’ is a subjective concept, open to opinion.