Definitions of Abnormality

1
Definitions of Abnormality
www.psychlotron.org.uk

• 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

2
Definitions of Abnormality
www.psychlotron.org.uk

• Our definition of abnormality must be objective
• It must not depend on anyones 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 arent

3
Definitions of Abnormality
www.psychlotron.org.uk

• Four definitions can be asked for in the
  examination
• Statistical infrequency
• Deviation from social norms
• Failure to function adequately
• Deviation from ideal mental health

4
Statistical Infrequency
www.psychlotron.org.uk

• Under this definition, a persons 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

5
Statistical Infrequency
www.psychlotron.org.uk
frequency
70 100 130
IQ Scores
6
Statistical Infrequency
www.psychlotron.org.uk
frequency
70 100 130
IQ Scores
7
Deviation from Social Norms
www.psychlotron.org.uk

• Under this definition, a persons 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

8
Deviation from Social Norms
www.psychlotron.org.uk

• 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?

9
Failure to Function Adequately
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• 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.

10
Failure to Function Adequately
www.psychlotron.org.uk

• 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

11
Deviation from Ideal Mental health
www.psychlotron.org.uk

• 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

12
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
www.psychlotron.org.uk

• 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