definitions of abnormality

Question 1

what are the definitions of abnormality?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

what is deviation from social norms?

Answer 2

behaviour that is different from the socially created acceptable behaviours

Question 3

what is statistical infrequency?

Answer 3

when a behaviour is seen as abnormal if it is statistically uncommon or very rare

Question 4

what are the limitations of statistical infrequency?

Answer 4

• cannot distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviours
• this disorder can easily be mislabelled as different cultures treat abnormalities differently

Question 5

what is failure to function adequately?

Answer 5

showing an inability to cope with everyday activities

Question 6

what are the strengths of failure to function adequately?

Answer 6

• it takes into account the views of the patient
• can judge abnormality objectively

Question 7

what are the limitations of failure to function adequately?

Answer 7

• the judgement of this disorder depends on who is making the decision which makes it subjective
• it fails to distinguish between functional and dysfunctional behaviours

Question 8

what is deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 8

behaviour defined by the absence of particular (ideal) characteristics
- Marie Jahoda’s criteria

Question 9

what are the limitations of deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 9

• has an unrealistic criteria of ‘ideal’ mental health
• it tries to apply the principles of physical health to mental health

Question 10

what are the strengths of deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 10

• it focusses on the positives rather than the negatives