Definitions of Abnormality: Complete Guide A-Level Psychology

In psychology, definitions of abnormality are crucial for identifying behaviours that deviate from the norm. These definitions help psychologists understand and diagnose psychological disorders. Working with qualified Health and Wellbeing tutors can help students master these concepts. There are several key approaches to defining abnormality, including statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, and deviation from ideal mental health.

Each of these definitions offers a different perspective on what constitutes abnormal behaviour. Understanding these definitions is essential for students of A Level psychology and anyone looking to explore how mental health and behaviours are assessed and categorised.

Statistical Infrequency

Statistical infrequency refers to behaviors or characteristics that are rare or statistically uncommon. In other words, these are traits or actions that fall outside the norm, based on the general population’s data.

Example:
An example of statistical infrequency would be an IQ score significantly below or above the average. For instance, a score of 70 or below is considered abnormally low, while a score of 130 or above is regarded as abnormally high. While these scores are statistically rare, they don’t necessarily indicate abnormality in a clinical sense.

Evaluation:
While statistical infrequency helps identify behaviors that deviate from the norm, it doesn’t always account for the desirability of certain traits. For example, a high IQ is rare but not abnormal, and in fact, it is often viewed positively. Therefore, statistical infrequency might not be the best measure for determining abnormality, as it doesn’t differentiate between “undesirable” and “desirable” rare behaviors.

Deviation from Social Norms

Deviation from social norms refers to behavior that violates the unwritten rules or expectations of society. These norms are shaped by culture, religion, and societal values, and behavior that falls outside of these norms can be seen as abnormal.

Example:
An example of deviation from social norms would be public nudity in cultures where it is considered inappropriate or offensive. While it may be acceptable in some cultures or contexts (e.g., in private or in naturist communities), in many societies, it is viewed as abnormal because it breaks cultural taboos.

Evaluation:
One key challenge with this definition is cultural relativism, what’s considered normal in one culture may be abnormal in another. For example, public displays of affection might be normal in some cultures, but inappropriate in others. This makes deviation from social norms subjective and context-dependent, reducing its reliability as a measure of abnormality across societies.

Failure to Function Adequately

Failure to function adequately refers to the inability to cope with daily life and fulfill normal roles, such as holding down a job, maintaining relationships, or performing basic tasks like self-care. When a person struggles to meet these everyday demands due to mental or emotional distress, it is considered abnormal.

Example:
An example of failure to function adequately could be someone who finds it difficult to maintain employment or personal relationships due to psychological distress, such as anxiety or depression. If this person is unable to perform regular activities, like attending work or socialising, it can significantly affect their well-being and quality of life.

Evaluation:
One of the challenges with this definition is that it involves subjective judgments. What constitutes adequate functioning can vary from person to person, and it can be influenced by cultural, societal, and personal expectations. For example, someone might function well in one social setting but struggle in another. As a result, this definition may not be universally applicable for determining abnormality.

Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

Deviation from ideal mental health refers to the absence of characteristics associated with mental well-being, such as self-actualisation, autonomy, and the ability to cope with stress. Supporting brain function through proper nutrition can help maintain these ideal mental health characteristics, especially during demanding periods like exam season. This definition suggests that any deviation from these ideal traits could indicate abnormality.

Example:
An example of deviation from ideal mental health would be a person who struggles with self-actualisation the ability to reach one’s full potential, or lacks autonomy, meaning they have difficulty making independent decisions. These traits are often seen as signs of mental well-being, so their absence can be viewed as abnormal.

Evaluation:
One major issue with this definition is that it sets unrealistically high standards for what constitutes mental health. For example, some stress, occasional lack of autonomy, or self-doubt are normal and don’t necessarily indicate abnormality. This definition could pathologise normal behavior variations and overlook mental health complexities. Everyone experiences challenges and setbacks, which are part of being human.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding the definitions of abnormality is essential for identifying and diagnosing psychological disorders. By exploring concepts such as statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, and deviation from ideal mental health, we can better understand the complexities of human behavior. These definitions help us distinguish between what is considered normal and abnormal in psychology.

If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of abnormal psychology, consider exploring further resources or consulting with online A Level psychology tutors. They can provide personalised guidance to help you grasp these key concepts and excel in your studies.

Ready to learn more? Explore A Level topics and strengthen your understanding of abnormal psychology today!

FAQs:

What is abnormality?

Abnormality refers to patterns of behavior, thoughts, or feelings that deviate from what is considered typical or socially acceptable. It can involve mental, emotional, or physical conditions that disrupt daily life or cause distress.

What is the scientific definition of abnormalities?

In scientific terms, abnormality is often defined as any behavior or condition that deviates significantly from the norm, whether in terms of statistical infrequency, social norms, or mental health standards. This can include psychological disorders or physical conditions that affect a person’s well-being

How many definitions of abnormality are there?

There are generally four main definitions of abnormality in psychology:

• Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
• Statistical Infrequency
• Deviation from Social Norms
• Failure to Function Adequately
  

What are the 4 definitions of abnormality?

1. Statistical Infrequency – Behavior that is rare or uncommon.
   
2. Deviation from Social Norms – Behavior that violates societal expectations.
   
3. Failure to Function Adequately – Inability to perform everyday tasks.
   
4. Deviation from Ideal Mental Health – Absence of characteristics associated with mental well-being, such as self-actualisation.