Definitions of Abnormality
STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY
Suggests that behaviours which are statistically rare are abnormal.
Any person’s measurement which falls outside a defined field (typically 2 standard deviations away
from the mean) can therefore be classed as abnormal.
With this definition it is necessary to be clear about how rare a trait or behaviour needs to be before
we class it as abnormal. To do this we have to be able to measure characteristics and calculate an
average, with the theory being that most people will centre around this average. Following this we can
then calculate the normal distribution curve and use the standard deviation.
STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY EVALUATIONS
Allows for objective measurements - increases reliability as easily repeatable.
Chronic depression occurs in 10% of people at some point in their lives – this would mean chronic
depression is normal - decreases validity.
Cultural factors - what is statistically abnormal in one culture may not be the case in another.
DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS
Norms are the expected way of behaving in society and these are decided by a majority. People who
are seen to break these social norms are seen as abnormal.
There are two types of norms: situational norms, whereby a behaviour may be acceptable in a
situation, and developmental norms , whereby a behaviour may be acceptable at a certain age.
DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS EVALUATIONS
Considers different types of norms - developmental norms means it is acceptable for a baby to wear a
nappy but not adults.
Subjective - ‘social norms’ are established by the ruling elite and are not something that is tangible -
limits validity - limits usefulness.
Social norms change over time - drinking and driving was commonplace in the 1960s but is now
illegal - lacks usefulness.
SYMPTOM POOL
Researchers now believe that each culture creates a ‘symptom pool’ of symptoms that are linked to
certain disorders. For example, not all disorders are the same across cultures because of how a
culture perceives mental illness.
In Asian countries, Koro is the delusion that your genitals are contracting into your body. This would
be seen as an alternative mental illness in western cultures.
DEVIATION FROM IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH
Behaviour is abnormal if a person deviates too far from the expected state of ideal mental health.
Johoda suggested that the following is needed to have ideal mental health:
(PRAISE)
Personal growth and Experiencing personal growth and development. Achieving potential
self-actualisation and becoming everything one is capable of becoming.
Accurate perception of Perceiving the world without distortion. Having an objective and realistic
reality view.
Autonomy Being independent, self-reliant and able to make personal decisions
STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY
Suggests that behaviours which are statistically rare are abnormal.
Any person’s measurement which falls outside a defined field (typically 2 standard deviations away
from the mean) can therefore be classed as abnormal.
With this definition it is necessary to be clear about how rare a trait or behaviour needs to be before
we class it as abnormal. To do this we have to be able to measure characteristics and calculate an
average, with the theory being that most people will centre around this average. Following this we can
then calculate the normal distribution curve and use the standard deviation.
STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY EVALUATIONS
Allows for objective measurements - increases reliability as easily repeatable.
Chronic depression occurs in 10% of people at some point in their lives – this would mean chronic
depression is normal - decreases validity.
Cultural factors - what is statistically abnormal in one culture may not be the case in another.
DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS
Norms are the expected way of behaving in society and these are decided by a majority. People who
are seen to break these social norms are seen as abnormal.
There are two types of norms: situational norms, whereby a behaviour may be acceptable in a
situation, and developmental norms , whereby a behaviour may be acceptable at a certain age.
DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS EVALUATIONS
Considers different types of norms - developmental norms means it is acceptable for a baby to wear a
nappy but not adults.
Subjective - ‘social norms’ are established by the ruling elite and are not something that is tangible -
limits validity - limits usefulness.
Social norms change over time - drinking and driving was commonplace in the 1960s but is now
illegal - lacks usefulness.
SYMPTOM POOL
Researchers now believe that each culture creates a ‘symptom pool’ of symptoms that are linked to
certain disorders. For example, not all disorders are the same across cultures because of how a
culture perceives mental illness.
In Asian countries, Koro is the delusion that your genitals are contracting into your body. This would
be seen as an alternative mental illness in western cultures.
DEVIATION FROM IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH
Behaviour is abnormal if a person deviates too far from the expected state of ideal mental health.
Johoda suggested that the following is needed to have ideal mental health:
(PRAISE)
Personal growth and Experiencing personal growth and development. Achieving potential
self-actualisation and becoming everything one is capable of becoming.
Accurate perception of Perceiving the world without distortion. Having an objective and realistic
reality view.
Autonomy Being independent, self-reliant and able to make personal decisions
