Abnormal Behavior Definitions PDF

Definitions of abnormality Number 1 - The deviation from social norms definition All cultures have social norms but they differ between cultures. What is acceptable for one culture may not be for another. More specifically, what is acceptable for people of different ages and genders can vary betwe...

Definitions of abnormality Number 1 - The deviation from social norms definition All cultures have social norms but they differ between cultures. What is acceptable for one culture may not be for another. More specifically, what is acceptable for people of different ages and genders can vary between cultures. Therefore, any deviation from the social norm of a particular culture may be considered as abnormal behaviour.  INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY Definitions of abnormality Number 2 - The failure to function adequately definition This definition considers that those who cannot function adequately within society may be considered to have abnormal behaviour. This would include being unable to cope in with a range of aspects within one’s own life and that the behaviour causes them distress. This definition is very focussed on individual suffering and draws attention to personal experiences with mental health conditions. According to Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) personal dysfunction has 7 features: Personal distress - depression and anxiety disorders Maladaptive behaviour - behaviour that stops individuals from obtaining their goals Unpredictability - displaying unexpected behaviour including suicide attempts etc Irrationality - displaying behaviour that cannot be explained in a rational manner Observer discomfort - behaviour that causes discomfort to others Violation of moral standards - behaviour that violates society’s moral values Unconventionality - displaying unconventional behaviour The Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) is used by clinicians to assess psychological functioning.  INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY Definitions of abnormality Number 3- Deviating from the ideal mental health definition Marie Jahoda (1958) - 6 characteristics people should have to be considered normal Positive attitude to one’s self Self-actualisation Autonomy Resisting stress Accurate perception of reality Environmental mastery  INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY Definitions of abnormality Number 4 - The statistical infrequency definition If the behaviours are statistically rare then they must be abnormal. This sets the range around the societal mean. Normal distribution typically includes 95% of the population. Individuals who display behaviours that are seen only at, or less than, 5% of the population, would be considered abnormal.