Definitions of abnormality

Question 1

List the four definitions of abnormality

Answer 1

Statistical infrequency
Deviation from social norms
Failure to function adequately
Deviation from ideal mental health

Question 2

What is meant by statistical infrequency

Answer 2

if someone has less common characteristics
e.g frequent feelings of dpression, low IQ

Question 3

Evaluation of statitical infrequency

Answer 3

+ real world application
- infrequenct characteristics can be positive as well as negative

Question 4

What is meant by deviation from social norms?

Answer 4

If someone behaves differently to the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society
e.g. antisocial personality disorder

Question 5

Evaluation of deviation froms social norms definition

Answer 5

+ real world application
- varying social norms across and between cultures

Question 6

What is meant by failure to function adequately

Answer 6

if someone is unable to cope with the demands of day to day life
e.g fear of germs prevents leaving home

Question 7

Evaluation of failure to function adequately

Answer 7

+ represents a sensible threshold for help
- easy to lable non-standard lifestyle choices as abnormal

Question 8

What is meant by deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 8

If someone foes not meet the requirements for good mental health
e.g is not independent, doesn’t rationally manage stress

Question 9

Evaluation of deviation from ideal mental health

Answer 9

+ highly comprehensive definition
- may be culture bound