Defining abnormality

Question 1

How does statistical infrequency define abnormality?

Answer 1

When a behaviour of characteristic is statistically uncommon in a normal, evenly distributed population. Thus, it occurs very rarely in society.

Question 2

What are the strengths of defining abnormality by statistical infrequency?

Answer 2

• Objective as abnormality is clearly defined and it is neither bias or subjective
• Provides useful insight into how common a characteristic or behaviour is amongst a normal, evenly distributed population

Question 3

What are the limitations of defining abnormality by statistical infrequency?

Answer 3

• Labelling a person as abnormal is highly unethical
• It ignores desirability of behaviours and characteristics
• Useless as some people can be labelled as “abnormal” but they can live happy, fulfilling lives

Question 4

How does deviation from social norms define abnormality?

Answer 4

Behaviour is deemed abnormal when it deviates from the written and unwritten law, rules and societal expectations. A person that behaves in a way which breaks these social norms is considered abnormal.

Question 5

What are the limitations of defining abnormality by deviation from social norms?

Answer 5

• Deviance is related to the context of a behaviour and the degree to which it takes place, there is no distinguishable line between social deviation and eccentricity.

Question 6

How does failure to function adequately define abnormality?

Answer 6

If a person is unable to cope and adapt to the demands of everyday life, they are abnormal. For example, they may be unable to take part in everyday activities. Failure to function adequately may be a result of personal distress.

Question 7

What are two major indicators of failures to function adequately?

Answer 7

• Maladaptiveness, where behaviours have an adverse effect on an individual, for example, substance addiction.
• Personal distress - psychological disorders such as depression

Question 8

What are the limitations of defining abnormality through a failure to function adequately?

Answer 8

• All people experience personal distress at some point in their lives
• Many people engage in maladaptive behaviours, but they are not considered abnormal
• Personal distress is very subjective and can differ between people

Question 9

How does deviation form ideal mental health define abnormality?

Answer 9

Marie Jahoda (1958) defines abnormality as the absence of the 6 elements of optimum living that are required for normality, positive psychological health and well-being: positive attitude towards self, personal growth, resistant to stress, accurate perception of reality, independence, adapting to the environment

Question 10

What are the limitations to the deviation from ideal mental health definition of abnormality?

Answer 10

• Culturally relative because most of the criteria cannot be generalised to other cultures
• The criteria make ideal mental health hard to achieve; the majority of the population can be considered abnormal
• The criteria are vague and difficult to measure