Definitions of abnormality

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There are four definitions of abnormality that are used to decide whether someone displays abnormal behaviour. These are:

Statistical infrequency

Behaviour is analysed and compared on a quantitative level. If a person displays more unusual characteristics that aren't common and this means they are outcast from the typical statistics, they may be classed as abnormal. For example, if someone has a low IQ of below 70 in comparison to the normal distribution, then they will be viewed as abnormal and may receive a diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder. This used to be known as mental retardation, and those who used to receive this diagnosis would be sterilised.

Deviation from social norms

Behaviour is analysed as whether it is different from the accepted standards of behaviour in a community or society. These norms are established by the society that the person whose behaviour is being judged resides in. For example, antisocial personality disorder is impulsive, aggressive and irresponsible. Therefore, this behaviour would be viewed as abnormal in a British society…

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