L1: Definition Of Abnormality- Deviation From Social Norms

Question 1

What is deviation from social norms? (AO1)

Answer 1

• any behaviour that does not follow accepted social patterns or social rules, deviation from these can be classed as abnormal and undesirable
• it looks at the impact of behaviour on other people- behaviour that is displayed is examined in terms of how desirable it is for the individual and society.
• every society has rules based on moral standards, to break these explicit rules can be breaking the law or breaking the ‘code of conduct’ e.g. dress codes.

Question 2

What can deviation from social norms do?

Answer 2

It can help identify a person who could be suffering from a mental disorder. If someone is behaving in a strange way that deviates them from social norms then we can become concerned and think they might be suffering from a psychological disorder.

Question 3

Evaluation(+) desirable and non desirable

Answer 3

It can distinguish between desirable and non-desirable behaviour. The aim of this model is to protect the public from the affects of abnormal behaviour and it’s disturbing consequences. This helps us minimise this behaviour and protect the public.

Question 4

Evaluation(-) - indication of abnormality

Answer 4

This suggests that the defining ion does not always indicate that someone has a psychological disorder. For example, someone may just be odd/eccentric so psychologists must be careful when deciding whether deviation from social norms indicates abnormality. Especially when judging behaviour alone.

Question 5

Evaluation(-) - context

Answer 5

Context must be taken when using this definition, for example wearing no clothes in a high street would be deviation from social norms and odd, however wearing no clothes on a nudist beach is perfectly acceptable.