Transcript Definitions of abnormality slides

Defining a person or behaviour as
‘abnormal’ implies something undesirable
and requiring change
Therefore, we must be careful how we use
the term
Psychologists need methods for
distinguishing ‘normal’ from ‘abnormal’
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Definitions of Abnormality
Our definition of abnormality must be
objective:
– It must not depend on anyone’s opinion or
point of view
– It should produce the same results whoever
applies it
It must not be under- or over-inclusive
– It must not label as ‘abnormal’ or ‘normal’
behaviours or traits that aren’t
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Definitions of Abnormality
Four definitions can be asked for in the
examination:
– Statistical infrequency
– Deviation from social norms
– Failure to function adequately
– Deviation from ideal mental health
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Definitions of Abnormality
Under this definition, a person’s trait,
thinking or behaviour is classified as
abnormal if it is rare or statistically
unusual.
With this definition it is necessary to be
clear about how rare a trait or behaviour
needs to be before we class it as
abnormal
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Statistical Infrequency
Average IQ in the
population is 100pts.
frequency
The further from 100
you look, the fewer
people you find
70
100
IQ Scores
130
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Statistical Infrequency
frequency
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Statistical Infrequency
A very small subset of
the population (<2.2%)
have an IQ below 70pts.
Such people are
statistically rare. We
regard them as having
abnormally low IQs
70
100
IQ Scores
130
Under this definition, a person’s thinking or
behaviour is classified as abnormal if it
violates the (unwritten) rules about what is
expected or acceptable behaviour in a
particular social group.
Their behaviour may:
– Be incomprehensible to others
– Make others feel threatened or uncomfortable
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Deviation from Social Norms
With this definition, it is necessary to
consider:
– The degree to which a norm is violated, the
importance of that norm and the value
attached by the social group to different sorts
of violation.
– E.g. is the violation rude, eccentric, abnormal
or criminal?
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Deviation from Social Norms
Under this definition, a person is
considered abnormal if they are unable to
cope with the demands of everyday life.
They may be unable to perform the
behaviours necessary for day-to-day living
e.g. self-care, hold down a job, interact
meaningfully with others, make
themselves understood etc.
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Failure to Function Adequately
Rosenhan & Seligman (1989) suggest the
following characteristics:
– Suffering
– Maladaptiveness (danger to self)
– Vividness & unconventionality (stands out)
– Unpredictability & loss of control
– Irrationality/incomprehensibility
– Causes observer discomfort
– Violates moral/social standards
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Failure to Function Adequately
Under this definition, rather than defining
what is abnormal, we define what is
normal/ideal and anything that deviates
from this is regarded as abnormal
This requires us to decide on the
characteristics we consider necessary to
mental health
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Deviation from Ideal Mental health
Psychologists vary, but usual
characteristics include:
– Positive view of the self
– Capability for growth and development
– Autonomy and independence
– Accurate perception of reality
– Positive friendships and relationships
– Environmental mastery – able to meet the
varying demands of day-to-day situations
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Deviation from Ideal Mental Health