Definitions of abnormality 2 - AO1

Question 1

What are the definitions of abnormality? (2)

Answer 1

Failure to function adequately
Deviation from ideal mental health

Question 2

What is failure to function adequately?

For a 3 marker

Answer 2

1. Inability to cope with everyday living (expand further)
2. Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) proposed further signs of failure to cope - They no longer conform to interpersonal rules, they experience severe personal distress and they behave in a way that is irrational or dangerous
3. Diagnosis of low IQ would not be made on statistical infrequency alone - there will be clear signs the person is not able to cope with the demands of everyday living

Question 3

What is deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 3

1. It is a different approach to see what makes somone “normal” then identify anyone who deviates from this ideal
2. Jahoda (1958): suggested the following criteria: no symptoms of distress, self actualise, good self esteem adn lack of guilt etc
3. There is an overlap with other definitions (inability to keep a job)