Definitions Of Abnormality

Question 1

What are the 3 common definitions of abnormality?

Answer 1

• Failure to Function Adequately
• Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
• Deviation from Social Norms

Question 2

What is the idea behind the failure to function adequately definition?

Answer 2

People who cannot cope with the demands of everyday life (getting up, getting dressed, maintaining relationships, etc) may be classified as abnormal. The abnormal behaviour interferes with day to day life.

Question 3

What are the limitations of defining abnormality through failure to function adequately?

Answer 3

1. Inability to cope with the demands of day to day living may be the CAUSE rather than the EFFECT of a psychological disorder.
2. Some behaviour that appears dysfunctional may serve as functional to the person. For example, someone with anorexia may be doing it for attention from their parents to prevent them getting divorced.
3. Who is entitled to decide what is adequate and what is not?

Question 4

What are the criteria that Jahoda suggested for ideal mental health? (6)

Answer 4

• Having a positive attitude towards yourself
• Having self actualisation of your potential
• Being resistant to stress
• Having personal autonomy (self reliance)
• Having an accurate perception of reality
• Adapting to and mastering the environment

Question 5

What are the 3 limitations of defining abnormality through deviation from ideal mental health?

Answer 5

1. Very few people meet all of the criteria for ideal mental health, so the majority of the population would be classified as abnormal. This definition might make psychologically healthy people paranoid.
2. The criteria are rooted in western societies, so they will not be applicable to some other cultures and societies.
3. It is difficult to measure mental health objectively like with physical health.

Question 6

Explain the definition of abnormality ‘deviation from social norms’

Answer 6

This definition focuses on behaviour that goes against the set of norms set by a society. These are unwritten but are generally accepted, so anything that goes against them is seen as abnormal.

Question 7

What are the 3 limitations of defining abnormality through deviation from social norms?

Answer 7

1. Social norms change over time. E.g homosexuality used to be considered a mental illness.
2. The definition is culturally relative. Different societies and cultures have different social norms, so it cannot be used broadly.
3. Context needs to be taken into account for this definition. E.g - if someone is walking around town in a bikini, this goes against social norms, but if they are in a bikini on a beach, this is acceptable.