Definitions of Abnormality
Statistical Infrequency
AO1
Under this definition of abnormality, a person's trait, thinking or
behaviour is classified as abnormal if it is rare or statistically unusual.
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.
However this definition obviously has limitations, it fails to
recognize the desirability of the particular behaviour.
Going back to the example, someone who has an IQ level above the
normal average wouldn't necessarily be seen as abnormal, rather on
the contrary they would be highly regarded for their intelligence.
This definition also implies that the presence of abnormal behaviour in
people should be rare or statistically unusual, which is not the case.
Instead, any specific abnormal behaviour may be unusual, but it is not
unusual for people to exhibit some form of prolonged abnormal
behaviour at some point in their lives.
AO3
Strengths:
- This definition can provide an objective way, based on data, to define
abnormality if an agreed cut-off point can be identified.
Limitations
- However, this definition fails to distinguish between desirable and
undesirable behaviour. Statistically speaking, many very gifted
individuals could be classified as ‘abnormal’ using this definition. The
use of the term ‘abnormal’ in this context would not be appropriate.
- Many rare behaviours or characteristics (e.g. left-handedness) have
no bearing on normality or abnormality. Some characteristics are
regarded as abnormal even though they are quite frequent. Depression
may affect 27% of elderly people (NIMH, 2001). This would make it
common but that does not mean it isn’t a problem
Deviation from Social Norms
AO1
A person's thinking or behaviour is classified as abnormal if it violates
the (unwritten) rules about what is expected or acceptable behaviour
in a particular social group. Their behaviour may be incomprehensible
to others or make others feel threatened or uncomfortable. Social
behaviour varies markedly when different cultures are compared.
Statistical Infrequency
AO1
Under this definition of abnormality, a person's trait, thinking or
behaviour is classified as abnormal if it is rare or statistically unusual.
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.
However this definition obviously has limitations, it fails to
recognize the desirability of the particular behaviour.
Going back to the example, someone who has an IQ level above the
normal average wouldn't necessarily be seen as abnormal, rather on
the contrary they would be highly regarded for their intelligence.
This definition also implies that the presence of abnormal behaviour in
people should be rare or statistically unusual, which is not the case.
Instead, any specific abnormal behaviour may be unusual, but it is not
unusual for people to exhibit some form of prolonged abnormal
behaviour at some point in their lives.
AO3
Strengths:
- This definition can provide an objective way, based on data, to define
abnormality if an agreed cut-off point can be identified.
Limitations
- However, this definition fails to distinguish between desirable and
undesirable behaviour. Statistically speaking, many very gifted
individuals could be classified as ‘abnormal’ using this definition. The
use of the term ‘abnormal’ in this context would not be appropriate.
- Many rare behaviours or characteristics (e.g. left-handedness) have
no bearing on normality or abnormality. Some characteristics are
regarded as abnormal even though they are quite frequent. Depression
may affect 27% of elderly people (NIMH, 2001). This would make it
common but that does not mean it isn’t a problem
Deviation from Social Norms
AO1
A person's thinking or behaviour is classified as abnormal if it violates
the (unwritten) rules about what is expected or acceptable behaviour
in a particular social group. Their behaviour may be incomprehensible
to others or make others feel threatened or uncomfortable. Social
behaviour varies markedly when different cultures are compared.
