On the other hand, there are some limitations with this attempt. Using statistical infrequency to define abnormality means that one is unable to distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviours. Many abnormal behaviours are quite desirable according to the context of statistical infrequency. For example, very few people have an IQ over 150, but this is not considered undesirable and depression is quite common yet this is very undesirable. IN addition, it further needs to be determined where to separate normality from abnormality. In the case of depression, any symptoms experienced by around 80% of the population are thought to be normal but those experienced by 20% would be defined as abnormal. Therefore it is hard to work out if the symptoms experienced by 20% should be regarded as abnormal or should it be at a rate of 15%. The cut-off point needs to be decided upon and it is important to determine who should obtain treatment. This shows that the statistical infrequency does not seem to be too successful as it is hard to decline cut-of points and identify desirable and undesirable behaviours, which therefore highlights that this may be difficult to use in defining abnormality.
Another attempt to define abnormality comes from the deviation from social norms. In all societies there are standards of acceptable behaviour that are set by social groups. These social norms included morals and well as expectations of how one should behave or act. These norms are usually set for good reasons. On such example is politeness. Abnormal behaviour is seen as deviation from implicit rules about how one ought to behave. Anything that violates these rules is considered abnormal. This model does distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviour, which is a limitation of the statistical infrequency definition. This deviancy model takes account the effect the behaviour has on others as well. This shows further success than that of the first model and identifies that abnormality can be defined using this method to some extent.
The main difficult with this model is that social norms vary as times change. What is considered socially acceptable now was not say 50 years a go. An example is homosexuality. Furthermore making judgements of deviance relates to context. For example is a person on a beach was wearing close to nothing this would be regarded as normal but if this was worn in a classroom this would be quite abnormal. In many different cases, there is no clear line between objectionable deviation and harmless eccentricity. The outlines limitations portray the fact that use of deviation from social norms is quite hard to use as it may be difficult to define normality over along period of time and particular contexts.
Another definition is failure to function adequately. The approach considers abnormality from the individual’s point of view. Most people have the aim of coping with day-to-day living, so abnormality can be judged in terms of not being able to cope. For example if one is depressed this is acceptable as long as they can still carry on doing day-to-day activities. Therefore failure to function adequately refers to an individual’s ability or inability to cope with day-to-day living. This particular model allows us to view mental disorder from the point of view of the person experiencing it. It is quite easy and simple to judge objectively and to see whether treatment is required.
However in order for the model to succeed someone needs to decide what is “adequate.” Some people may be quite happy with their situation and others may be unaware that they are coping. It is others who take the judgements about abnormal behaviour and may make an individual feel uncomfortable. For example, many schizophrenics do not know or feel as though they have a problem but their behaviour may be distressing. Also, it may be that apparent dysfunctional behaviour is adaptive and functional for the individuals. For example, eating disorders welcome extra attention and individuals such as cross-dressers often make a living out of such acts. This shows that it may hard to determine the extent to which something is “adequate” therefore overriding the success of the model.
