1. © Banff and Buchan College 2004
Definitions of Abnormality
© Banff and Buchan College 2004

2. Definitions of Abnormality
Defining a person or behaviour as ‘abnormal’ implies something undesirable and requiring change
Therefore, we must be careful how we use the term
Psychologists need methods for distinguishing ‘normal’ from ‘abnormal’

3. Definitions of Abnormality
Our definition of abnormality must be objective:
It must not depend on anyone’s opinion or point of view
It should produce the same results whoever applies it
It must not be under- or over-inclusive
It must not label as ‘abnormal’ or ‘normal’ behaviours or traits that aren’t

4. Definitions of Abnormality
Four definitions can be asked for in the examination:
Statistical infrequency
Deviation from social norms
Failure to function adequately
Deviation from ideal mental health

5. Statistical Infrequency
Under this definition, 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

6. Statistical Infrequency
Average IQ in the population is 100pts.
The further from 100 you look, the fewer people you find
frequency
IQ Scores

7. Statistical Infrequency
A very small subset of the population (<2.2%) have an IQ below 70pts. Such people are statistically rare. We regard them as having abnormally low IQs
frequency
IQ Scores

8. Deviation from Social Norms
Under this definition, 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
Make others feel threatened or uncomfortable

9. Deviation from Social Norms
With this definition, it is necessary to consider:
The degree to which a norm is violated, the importance of that norm and the value attached by the social group to different sorts of violation.
E.g. is the violation rude, eccentric, abnormal or criminal?

10. Failure to Function Adequately
Under this definition, a person is considered abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life.
They may be unable to perform the behaviours necessary for day-to-day living e.g. self-care, hold down a job, interact meaningfully with others, make themselves understood etc.

11. Failure to Function Adequately
Rosenhan & Seligman (1989) suggest the following characteristics:
Suffering
Maladaptiveness (danger to self)
Vividness & unconventionality (stands out)
Unpredictability & loss of control
Irrationality/incomprehensibility
Causes observer discomfort
Violates moral/social standards

12. Deviation from Ideal Mental health
Under this definition, rather than defining what is abnormal, we define what is normal/ideal and anything that deviates from this is regarded as abnormal
This requires us to decide on the characteristics we consider necessary to mental health

13. Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
Psychologists vary, but usual characteristics include:
Positive view of the self
Capability for growth and development
Autonomy and independence
Accurate perception of reality
Positive friendships and relationships
Environmental mastery – able to meet the varying demands of day-to-day situations

14. Henderson Road, Fraserburgh, AB43 9GA © Banff and Buchan College 2004
Tel: (01346) Fax: (01346)
© Banff and Buchan College 2004