Abnormality: Models of Abnormality

Models of abnormality

Definitions:

Deviation from statistcal norms:  If something is stastically unusual then it is normally considered abnormal. We can use a normal distrubution curve to determine this, because it shows an average and how far away from this some people are. Anything that is one SD away is considered abnormal, as 68% of the population fall between the first SD's.  For example someone with an IQ above or below 100 would be seen as rare (statisically), therefore abnormal. However a problem with this classifcation woud be that abnormalities such as depression are quite common and yet they are still seen as abnormal. Also it does not accoutn for desirable qualities (such as high IQ).

Deviation from social norms:  Societies and cultures have their own hidden rules, which most people accept and follow. Anyone who violates these rules can be seen as abnormal. For example a social norm would if someone holds a door open for you, you would say thank you as it is polite. However a problem with this is that social norms vary from culture to culture and also through time. An exampe of this would be homosexuality as this was seen as a mental disorder but now it is accepted in some society.

Deviation from ideal mental health: Rather than definning what is abnomal Jahoda first looked at what is 'normal'. She included: Positive view of oneself, The ability to grow and develop, show no signs of distress in everyday life, can cope wih stress…