It would be very desirable to have an unusually high I.Q, like Zuleika Yusoff who sat her A level maths at the age of five in 1999 (Gross, McIlveen, & Coolican, 2000, P86); a person with this may be statistically abnormal, but would not be a call for concern or remedy, in fact they would probably be encouraged. On a similar note, if a child began to walk a lot earlier than is average, then this would be seen as being advanced and a desirable quality, showing that statistical infrequency does not take into account what is seen as desirable and undesirable abnormalities. It also doesn’t consider those who are on the verge of needing support, so if someone was at the bottom end of the ‘average’ scale, they could be about to fall further, and the assistance or intervention earlier on could have prevented the decline of that person’s health or behaviour.
Deviation from social norm.
This definition highlights those who fail to follow society’s values or norms; these norms are divided into those that are informal (implicit) and formal (explicit). The implicit norms or rules include things like holding the door open for someone, or giving way to others in the street whilst driving, adhering to a memorial silence; socially normal expectations. If any of these unwritten rules are broken, then this is seen as unacceptable and strange. Explicit norms are a set of written rules that everyone is required to follow, and if they do not they will be punished. For example, criminal offenses, work policies, restrictions within a building (like no smoking in a hotel).
This definition does not observe cultural differences, and that some social norms are not followed by certain individuals because they are not aware that they are breaking the social standards around them. It is also not a clear indication of abnormality, in the sense that if someone does not abide by rules, they may be acting unacceptably but it does not equal mental illness. If someone were to shoplift, for example they may be breaking the law, but it happens that frequently, we wouldn’t assume that they are abnormal. If someone were to be seen praying in the street, this may seem abnormal or bizarre to some circles of society but not others. It is therefore, too difficult to determine abnormality based around this definition, especially given how subjective norms can be.
Deviation from ideal mental health.
This is a definition that lists characteristics, traits and abilities that people should have in order to be considered as normal; if a person were to deviate from these then they would be deemed to be abnormal. Deciding on the characteristics that define normal behaviour varies between psychologists, but the typical ones 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
(Mcleod, 2008)
The limitations with this particular definition would be that it is difficult for a person to maintain this standard of normality all the time, meaning that at one point, everybody would be considered as abnormal for some part of their lives. Genuinely abnormal people may be overlooked using this definition as well; a serial killer could quite easily appear to tick all the above criteria but is obviously mentally ill.
Failure to function adequately.
People who are suffering with abnormalities can find it difficult to live life normally; they do not participate in activities like they should, or experience emotions like a ‘normal’ person. Using this definition, we are able to pin point whether someone is abnormal by looking at their ability to function. Rossenhan & Seligman suggest that the concept of dysfunction includes:
- Personal distress
- Maladaptive behaviour
- Unpredictability
- Irrationality
- Observer discomfort
- Violation of moral and ideal standards
(Gross & Rolls, 2006, PP75, 76)
By looking at these indicators, we are able to determine just how abnormal a person is, the more dysfunctions they present, the more abnormal they are considered to be.
This is limited though, for the fact that psychologists may find it difficult to determine what ‘adequately’ is; for example of someone is grieving for a loved one their personal distress may be abnormal for that time in their life, but at what point does it become a cause for concern. Some mental disorders avoid all of these dysfunctions so may be overlooked, like OCD for instance; an individual who posses this illness can appear to function satisfactorily, but is suffering and may require help.
Having looked at all the above definitions, I found the least limitations in the ‘Failure to function adequately’ model, thus recognising this definition as the most useful when it comes to identifying abnormal behaviour. I am aware though, that each definition includes strengths that can be used depending on the individual or situation. The ‘Failure to function’ definition can be used across numerous situations and cultures and would still make sense, enabling suitable analysis of a person’s well-being to be made.
Reference list.
Gross, R., & Rolls, G. (2006). Essential AS & A2 Psychology. London: Hodder Arnold.
Gross, R., McIlveen, R., & Coolican, H. (2000). Psychology a new introduction: For AS level. Kent: Hodder & Stoughton.
Mcleod, S. A. (2008). Abnormal Psychology. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from SimplyPsychology: http://www.simplypsychology.org/abnormal-psychology.html
by
rcarr (student)
