Definitions Of Abnormalities - A01

Question 1

Defining abnormality

Answer 1

Conflicting views about what constitutes ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ behaviour.

No single definition is adequate on its own which is why it’s important that we consider aspects from four different definitions:

statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, deviation from ideal mental health.

Question 2

Statistical infrequency

Answer 2

States abnormality is when an individual has a less common characteristic than most of the population, therefore the behaviour is seen less frequently in society.

Question 3

What’s an example of statistical infrequency?

Answer 3

Behaviour that is rarely seen as abnormal.
For example:

• IQ is normally distributed: average IQ score is 100; most have an IQ between 85-115.
• People who score outside of the normal distribution (top and bottom 2%) can be defined as abnormal.
• The 2% who score below 70 are considered abnormal and are likely to be diagnosed with intellectual disability order.
• But those who are in the top 2% over 130 are also abnormal.

Question 4

Deviation from social norms

Answer 4

Defines any behaviour which differs from that which society expects as abnormal.

Society has certain established ‘norms’ of behaviour which are expectations about how ‘normal’ people behave. These are passed on through socialisation.

When a person behaves in a way that’s different from how they are expected to behave, they may be defined as abnormal. There are few behaviours that would be considered abnormal universally.

Question 5

What’s an example of deviation from social norms?

Answer 5

Over time social norms can change. For example, homosexuality was illegal before 1967 in the UK. It was considered a mental illness until 1973 and was legalised in 2013.

Question 6

What’s a risk of deviation from social norms?

Answer 6

The diagnoses of this may have been used as a form of social control over minorities to exclude those who don’t conform.

Question 7

Example of deviation of social norms varying across cultures.

Answer 7

In the UK sexuality is accepted but it is still illegal in places like Middle East.

Question 8

Failure to function adequately

Answer 8

Abnormality is judged due to inability to deal with the demands of everyday living.

This includes failure to maintain basic hygiene, nutrition, employment and relationships.

Question 9

Failure to function adequately research

Answer 9

Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) proposed these signs:

• Not conforming to interpersonal rules such as eye contact and personal space.
• Experience of severe personal distress.
• Behaviour is irrational or dangerous to themselves/others.

Question 10

Maladaptive meaning?

Answer 10

Not adjusting adequately or appropriately to the situation or environment.

Question 11

Deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 11

This defines abnormality as the absence of signs of good mental health.

Question 12

Deviation from ideal mental health research

Answer 12

Jahoda (1958) developed criteria for these ideals.

• Accurate perception of reality.
• Positive attitude to themselves (lack of guilt and good self-esteem)
• Self-actualisation - reaching potential.
• Resistance to stress.
• Environmental mastery.
• Being independent of other people (autonomy).