Transcript Definitions of Abnormality

Problems exist with all the definitions we have
examined.
Subjectivity
Over- and under-inclusivity
Cultural relativity
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Definitions of Abnormality
Does not consider the desirability of behaviours
or traits.
Very high intelligence or extremely altruistic
behaviour are both statistically rare, but would not
generally be classed as ‘abnormal’.
Many rare behaviours or characteristics (e.g. left
handedness) have no bearing on normality or
abnormality
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Statistical Infrequency
Some behaviours/characteristics are regarded
as abnormal even though they are quite
frequent.
Depression may affect 27% of elderly people (NIMH,
2001). This would make it common but that does
not mean it isn’t a problem
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Statistical Infrequency
Social norms change between cultures and over
time. Consequently, so do people’s conceptions
of abnormality.
Homosexuality was regarded as a mental illness
until 1973, but not any more.
Cross-cultural misunderstandings are common, and
may contribute to e.g. high diagnosis rate of
schizophrenia amongst non-white British people
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Violation of Social Norms
Classification of abnormality can only based on
the context in which behaviour occurs
Same behaviour might be normal or abnormal e.g.
undressing in bathroom or classroom
A subjective judgement is usually necessary e.g.
there may be situational factors unknown to the
observer
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Violation of Social Norms
Adequate functioning is defined largely by social
norms (see ‘deviation from…’)
Most people fail to function adequately at some
time, but are not considered ‘abnormal’
After a bereavement most people find it difficult to
cope normally
Ironically, they might actually be considered more
abnormal if they functioned as usual
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Failure to Function Adequately
Many people engage in behaviour that is
maladaptive/harmful or threatening to self, but
we don’t class them as abnormal
Adrenaline sports
Smoking, drinking alcohol
Skipping classes
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Failure to Function Adequately
What is considered ideal is historically and
culturally specific (see ‘deviation from social…’)
Jahoda’s and others’ criteria set the bar too high.
Strictly applied, so few people actually meet these
criteria that everyone ends up classed as abnormal
and so the concept becomes meaningless
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Deviation from Ideal Mental Health