Definitions of abnormality

Question 1

Outline statistical infrequency

Answer 1

Occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic than most of the population, e.g. being more depressed/less intelligent.

Question 2

Give one evaluative point for statistical infrequency

Answer 2

LIMITATION
According to the statistical infrequency concept, having a low or high IQ is statistically abnormal. However having a statistically high or low IQ is not necessarily undesirable, and often doesn’t require treatment to be ‘normal’. Therefore it can be said that the concept of statistical infrequency can’t solely be used to make a diagnosis.

Question 3

Outline Deviations from social norms

Answer 3

Concerns behaviour that is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a society.

Question 4

Give one evaluative point for deviations from social norms

Answer 4

STRENGTH AND PROBLEM
Deviation from social norms has real-life application and can be used in the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, which means there is a place for the concept when defining what is normal and abnormal. However there are also other factors to consider when diagnosing someone with antisocial personality disorder, which is a potential problem as deviation from social norms is not the only reason for defining abnormality.

Question 5

Outline failure to function adequately

Answer 5

Occurs when someone is unable to cope with ordinary demands of day-to-day living.

Question 6

Give one evaluative point for failure to function adequately

Answer 6

STRENGTH
While it is difficult to assess distress, failure to function adequately does attempt to acknowledge each individual’s subjective experience. This is positive because it has useful application in identifying abnormalities, and is more personal than other explanations, so individuals are more likely to get suitable help.

Question 7

Outline deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 7

Occurs when someone does not meet a set of criteria for good mental health.

Question 8

Give one evaluative point for deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 8

PROBLEM AND POSITIVE
Not everyone fits into the criteria set by Jahoda, suggesting the majority of a population is ‘abnormal’. Therefore the explanation may not be useful in thinking about who might benefit from treatment, even if they don’t need it. On the other hand it could be used to help people see the benefit of seeking treatment in order to improve their mental health, which is positive as it may help people improve their quality of life.