Definitions of abnormality
Statistical Infrequency Anyone that is out of the normal or
average range of mental illness is
abnormal
Deviation from ideal mental health The 6 things that if you lack you’re
abnormal. Like being resistant to stress.
Deviation from social norms Things that are out of the range of what
society approves like gender, clothing
seen as abnormal
Failure to function adequately Not being able to complete normal day
to day tasks like leaving the house or
doing shopping.
agoraphobia
If they lack any of the following they’re abnormal
1. Having positive view of yourself
2. Being resistant to stress
3. Independent and autonomous
4. Capable of personal growth
5. Having an accurate view of reality
6. Being able to adapt to environment
Indicators of failure
1. Maladaptive behaviours - struggle with adaptation. Often used to reduce anxiety.
2. Personal distress - can’t do things because of distress
3. Others’ distress - making others uncomfy
4. Unpredictable behaviour - doesn’t fit in with expectations
5. Irrational behaviour - does not make sense to others
Evaluation
Strengths Weaknesses
Statistical infrequency Objective so easy to analyse Statistics may not always
Representative as it takes be correct
into account the whole There are more people out
population of the range than there are
Statistical Infrequency Anyone that is out of the normal or
average range of mental illness is
abnormal
Deviation from ideal mental health The 6 things that if you lack you’re
abnormal. Like being resistant to stress.
Deviation from social norms Things that are out of the range of what
society approves like gender, clothing
seen as abnormal
Failure to function adequately Not being able to complete normal day
to day tasks like leaving the house or
doing shopping.
agoraphobia
If they lack any of the following they’re abnormal
1. Having positive view of yourself
2. Being resistant to stress
3. Independent and autonomous
4. Capable of personal growth
5. Having an accurate view of reality
6. Being able to adapt to environment
Indicators of failure
1. Maladaptive behaviours - struggle with adaptation. Often used to reduce anxiety.
2. Personal distress - can’t do things because of distress
3. Others’ distress - making others uncomfy
4. Unpredictable behaviour - doesn’t fit in with expectations
5. Irrational behaviour - does not make sense to others
Evaluation
Strengths Weaknesses
Statistical infrequency Objective so easy to analyse Statistics may not always
Representative as it takes be correct
into account the whole There are more people out
population of the range than there are
