The document discusses issues with different definitions of abnormality, including subjectivity, cultural relativity, and definitions being either over- or under-inclusive. It notes that statistical infrequency does not consider the desirability of behaviors and that some common behaviors are still considered abnormal. Social norms that define abnormality can vary between cultures and over time. A behavior may also be normal or abnormal depending on the context. The concept of adequate functioning is difficult to define and failure to function is normal at some points for most people. The definition of ideal mental health is also culturally and historically variable.

1. Definitions of Abnormality
Problems exist with all the definitions we
have examined.
 Subjectivity
 Over- and under-inclusivity
 Cultural relativity

2. Statistical Infrequency
Does not consider the desirability of
behaviours or traits.
 Very high intelligence or extremely altruistic
behaviour are both statistically rare, but
would not generally be classed as
‘abnormal’.
 Many rare behaviours or characteristics
(e.g. left handedness) have no bearing on
normality or abnormality

3. Statistical Infrequency
Some behaviours/characteristics are
regarded as abnormal even though they
are quite frequent.
 Depression may affect 27% of elderly
people (NIMH, 2001). This would make it
common but that does not mean it isn’t a
problem

4. Violation of Social Norms
Social norms change between cultures and
over time. Consequently, so do people’s
conceptions of abnormality.
 Homosexuality was regarded as a mental
illness until 1973, but not any more.
 Cross-cultural misunderstandings are
common, and may contribute to e.g. high
diagnosis rate of schizophrenia amongst
non-white British people

5. Violation of Social Norms
Classification of abnormality can only
based on the context in which behaviour
occurs
 Same behaviour might be normal or
abnormal e.g. undressing in bathroom or
classroom
 A subjective judgement is usually necessary
e.g. there may be situational factors
unknown to the observer

6. Failure to Function Adequately
 Adequate functioning is defined largely
by social norms (see ‘deviation from…’)
 Most people fail to function adequately
at some time, but are not considered
‘abnormal’
 After a bereavement most people find it
difficult to cope normally
 Ironically, they might actually be
considered more abnormal if they
functioned as usual

7. Failure to Function Adequately
Many people engage in behaviour that is
maladaptive/harmful or threatening to self,
but we don’t class them as abnormal
 Adrenaline sports
 Smoking, drinking alcohol
 Skipping classes

8. Deviation from Ideal Mental
Health
 What is considered ideal is historically and
culturally specific (see ‘deviation from
social…’)
 Jahoda’s and others’ criteria set the bar
too high.
 Strictly applied, so few people actually
meet these criteria that everyone ends up
classed as abnormal and so the concept
becomes meaningless