Definitions of Abnormality

Description

Someone is abnormal if:

• Their behaviour is seen as a deviation from the social norms in a society or sub-society
• When someone breaks unspoken rules, which is seen as undesirable by the majority
• The standards are set by a social group
• Not all norms are always desirable

Limitation 1

• P - Social norms vary between cultures - cultural relativism
• E - In some Eastern cultrues, it is very abnormal for women to display much skin in public, whereas in the West it is acceptable
• C - What is normal in one culture is abnormal in another, limits usefulness

Limitation 2

• P - Social norms change over time
• E - In western cultures it was once seen as abnormal for women to be pregnant or live with a partner out o wedlock. But now it's a common occurence
• C - What was seen as abnormal in the past is normal now, limiting relevance

Description

A person is abnormal if they can't function adepuately following the criteria:

• Suffering - an individual recognises they're suffering
• Maladaptiveness - behaviour prevents achievement, relationships and work
• Unconventionality - behaviour differs from the norm
• Loss of control - behaviour's unpredictable
• Observer discomfort - makes others around you uncomfortable

Limitation 1

P - Some people who have an abnormality continue to function adequately

E - Winston Churchill and Stephen Fry had bi-polar but both had successful careers and became memorable people in society

C - Definition does not apply to all people

Limitation 2

P - Definition is subjective - who decides what is adequate?

E - What one person thinks is normal, adequate behaviour a doctor may diagnose as abnormal. Bias can have a part to play

C - Limits the usefulness

Description

A person is considered abnormal if they don't meet the following criteria for ideal mental health:

• Being able to think positively about self - high self-esteem and sense of identity
• Have self-actualisation, being able to set goals and reward self for achievements
• Being able to cope with or resist stress
• Being independent
• Having an accurate perception of reality
• Adapting to environments and forming relationships

Limitation 1

P - Criteria is idealistic, not many people will meet it

E - Lots of people, especially young teens, suffer stress and low self esteem but are not abnormal

C - In some situtations such as these it is more normal not to meet all of the criteria

Limitation 2

P - Criteria is ethnocentric as is based on western culture

E - In another culture it may be more normal for people to be dependent on others and being independent is considered bad for your mental health

C - Limits relevance as can't be applied to everyone