Definitions of abnormality


	Definitions of abnormality
	Advantages Statistical infrequency gives an objective/scientific way to measure and define abnormality	Disadvantages Statistical infrequency doesn't mention desirable and undesirable behaviour e.g. Above average IQ will be seen as positive but it is still different from the norm. Problem with social norms is that they differ from culture to culture, something abnormal in the UK may be totally normal in other cultures. Norms change over time e.g. homosexuality used to be seen as abnormal and is now widely accepted as normal. Failure to keep a job may be due to other factors like just simply not enjoying the job/not being satisfied rather than being abnormal. Failure to function adequately is context dependent; not eating would be seen as abnormal but going on a hunger strike for a cause would be sen in a different light. Rare for anyone to meet Jahoda's criteria for ideal mental health. His ideas are also based on the Wester idea of ideal mental health.
	Evaluation

Statistical infrequency gives an objective/scientific way to measure and define abnormality

Statistical infrequency doesn't mention desirable and undesirable behaviour e.g. Above average IQ will be seen as positive but it is still different from the norm.
Problem with social norms is that they differ from culture to culture, something abnormal in the UK may be totally normal in other cultures.
Norms change over time e.g. homosexuality used to be seen as abnormal and is now widely accepted as normal.
Failure to keep a job may be due to other factors like just simply not enjoying the job/not being satisfied rather than being abnormal.
Failure to function adequately is context dependent; not eating would be seen as abnormal but going on a hunger strike for a cause would be sen in a different light.
Rare for anyone to meet Jahoda's criteria for ideal mental health. His ideas are also based on the Wester idea of ideal mental health.

Get Revising