Psychopathology -> Definitions Of Abnormality

Question 1

Psychopathology

Answer 1

Scientific study of mental disorders such as depression or OCD.

Question 2

Deviation From Social Norms

Answer 2

Abnormal behaviour is that which goes against the social norms in a given society or culture. All societies make collective judgements about what counts as normal behaviour. Any behaviour that does not conform is abnormal. An example is do not stand too close to a person you have just met. Social norms vary from culture to culture.

Question 3

Weaknesses of Deviation From Social Norms

Answer 3

• In some instances it can be beneficial to break social norms, for example the Suffragettes broke many social norms but this led to women gaining the right to vote.
• The social norms of a society change over time. For example, homosexuality was classed as a mental illness in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) until 1990
• Deviation from social norms does not always have mental health consequences. Those who do not conform to social norms may very well not be abnormal but merely eccentric. For example, naturists break social norms but are not often perceived as having mental health problems.