Definitions of abnormality 1

AO1:
Statistical infrequency:
The most obviious way to define anything as 'normal' or 'abnormal' is in terms of the number of the number of times it is observed. Statistics is about analysing numbers. Any relatively 'usual', or often seen, behaviour can be thought of as 'normal'. Any behaviour that is different, or rare, is 'abnormal', i.e. a statistical infrequency.
IQ is normally distributed. The average IQ is 100. Most people have an IQ between 85 and 115, only 2% have a score below 70. This individuals scoring below 70 are statistically unusal or 'abnormal' and are diagnosed with intellectual disability disorder.
Deviation from social norms:
Abnormality is based on social context. When a person behaves in a way that is different from how they are expected to behave they may be defined as abnormal. Societies and social groups make collective judgements about 'correct' behaviours in particular circumstances.
There are relatively few behaviours that be considered as universally abnormal therefore definitions are related to cultural context. This includes historical differnces within the same society. For exampls, homosexuality is viewed as abrnormal in some cultures but not others and was considered abnormal in our society in the past.
Exampls: antisocial personality disorder (APD): One important symptom of antisocial personality disorder (formerly psychopathy) is a failure to conform to 'lawful and culturally normative…

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