Summary table of definitions of psychological abnormality.

both ends of the normal distribution curve is considered abnormal. To be useful, this should then give us an idea of who needs help and treatment. However, a limitation of this definition is that abnormality as one end of the curve may well be problematic and undesirable and suggest help is needed, but abnormality at the other end may be desirable and not need treatment. 2. Problem of accurate statistics – This definition can only be used once accurate statistical about the behaviour have been collected. It is easy to collect statistics on objective things such as waist measurements, but it is difficult on subjective things such as stress. This is because one person chooses not to report their problem to a GP etc. In one sense the problem does not exist because an official diagnosis has not been made. This will lead to variations in the extent to which abnormality is seen as existing in different cultures.Deviation from social normsDefinition: According to this definition, any behaviour, which differs from the behaviour which society normally expects, is defined as abnormal. Society has certain established “social norms” which are expectations about how “normal” people behave. Any behaviour, which breaks these norms or rules, is seen as abnormal. For example: someone that wraps their television and other electrical item in bubblewrap to stop things getting through. this is not normal for society so this is seen as abnormal . For example young unmarried pregnant women in the past looked up in mental hospitals so there behaviour would be such as unacceptable and abnormal1. Problem of social context – A major limitation of this definition is that social norms depend on context. For example, what is seen as normal will vary. (eg from culture to another) So what is seen as abnormal in one context may not be in another. Therefore this definition is limited because it cannot be used universally. In other words one cannot generalise about behaviour which deviates from the norm. 2. Problem of social control – Another limitation of this definition is that it sometimes means that people who do not “fit in” society, and who’s behaviour is thus seen as abnormal, are rejected by the society, and become outsiders. This can be used as a form a social control, so people who society feels uncomfortable about become isolated or institutionalised. For example Failure to function adequatelyDefinition: A person who fails to function and cope adequately on a daily basis is abnormal. For example: Be unable to experience normal emotions.1.Problem of observer distress – One of the major problems of this definition is that some of the indicators depend on subjective judgements. This means they are based on personal opinion. What causes distress to one observer may cause amusement to another. 2. Problem of personal distress – Much abnormal behaviour causes the sufferer considerable distress, thus this is one of the indicators. However not all abnormal or disordered people with mental disorders feel personal distress. This is because the nature of their disorder makes it difficult for them to reflect upon their own behaviour.  Deviation from ideal mentalhealthDefinition: abnormal behaviour or mental disorder is defined in terms of extent to which it differs from ideal mental health. For example: Some one with anorexia has a problem with a positive attitude to them self (low self esteem)1.Problem of subjectivity – As with some of the other definitions of abnormality a limitation of this definition is that criteria for mental health are subjective, rather than objective. Mental health and illness are not lie physical health. You either have chicken pox or you do not. Everyone’s definition of mental health will be different.2.Problem of cultural relativism –  Another limitation of this definition of abnormal behaviour is that it is culturally specific. This means that Jahodas 6 criteria are based on a western view, where we are told to emphasise “me” while in some African countries “We” is emphasised. This means that you may class someone as abnormal although the behaviour is normal for the culture they are from.  Cultural relativism · refers to the fact that individual cultures tend to define normal and abnormal behaviour in different ways. This makes it difficult to make universal or general statements about Support for idea of cultural relativism:1. Deviation from social norms definition is culturally relative because….eg…..eg……2. Deviation from ideal mental health is also culturally relative because……..eg…..Problems with the idea of cultural relativism:1. Ethical concerns…..eg…..2. Problem of collecting accurate statistics on abnormal behaviour…..eg….In contrast, perhaps some aspects of abnormal behaviour are universal…….eg…….