Defining Abnormality

 JAHODA'S 6 CRITERIA:

• Self actualisation
• Self confidence
• Accurate perception of reality
• Adaptability to environment
• Autonomy
• Resistance to stress

If any of these categories are missing then she claims that they have a mental illness.

Strengths: 

• More positive approach
• Could create therapeutic aims

Limitations:

• Have to have above average functioning - over-demanding, most people would be abnormal
• Culturally Relative - based on Western views

A scale is used to measure how far a person is unable to cope with everyday life. 

It states that a clear change in the pattern of behaviour is sign of a mental disorder.

Strengths:

• Relies on sufferers judgement
• Cultural relativity is not an issue - the principle of being unable to function adequately is applicable in all different cultures.

Limitations: 

• Failure to function adequately may not be due to a psychological disorder - for example, poverty and discrimination may stop a person from being able to have a job or support a family. 
• Context dependent - what may be seen as inappropriate behaviour in some situations may be perfectly rational in others.
• Subjective Interpretation.

Any behaviour that does not follow accepted social patterns or rules. If a person does not adhere to these rules then they can be seen as abnormal. 

There are implicit norms (unwritten rules within a social group, for example, having to wear clothes in public), and explicit norms (which are written as law, for example, you cannot murder someone). 

Strengths:

• Looks at the impact of an individual's behaviour upon other people.
• For the greater good of society.

Limitations:

• Subjective
• Subject to abuse
• Social norms change over time.