One definition of abnormality is “Deviation of social norms”. Defining
Norms are expected ways of behaving in a society according to the majority and those members of a society who do not think and behave like everyone else break these norms and so often defined as abnormal. the definition is based on the facts that often abnormal behaviour is seen as vivid and unpredictable, causes observer discomfort and violates moral or ideal standards (Rosenhan and Seligman 1989) as it differs from most people’s behaviour and standards.
Secondly, abnormal thinking is delusional, irrational or incomprehensible because it differs from commonly accepted or usual beliefs. An example of this would be someone with schizophrenia, as this could manifest itself by the person talking to themselves. This would be considered abnormal according to this definition.
Though this does have its limitations such as it is culturally relative, what is seen and accepted in one culture may not be normal in another. DSN is susceptible to abuse, what may be acceptable now may not be in the future, since norms change over time. Also, deviation in context and degree, for example, wearing a swimming costume on the beach is acceptable, but seen as abnormal in a meeting. Shouting in a public place is abnormal unless in an argument.
Also Social norms can vary over time. One example is homosexuality; homosexuality was in the American classification system for psychiatric disorders up until the 1960s. Attitudes have change a lot since then.
The Essay on Outline and Evaluate Definitions of Abnormality 2
... weakness of the deviation of social norms is cultural relativity. Social norms by their very definition are specific to a particular culture ... behaving in a particular society. In terms of social norms, abnormal behaviour can be seen as behaviour that deviates from ... without its problems. The first limitation is that apparently abnormal behaviour may actually be helpful, functional and adaptive for ...
Social norms are specific to certain cultures, so a behaviour which is seen as deviant in one culture may be seen as a normal one in another culture or society.
Another definition is “Failure to function adequately”. This definition focuses on an individual’s behaviour in everyday life. When someone cannot cope with everyday activities such as eating, sleeping or going to work or school then we might argue that they are failing to function properly. Common examples might be severe depression, which might mean that someone may fail to get up in the morning which means they are unable to hold down a stable job. The condition may affect relationships and family life. A change in behaviour like this would be a sign of psychopathology
Context again is an issue for example some political prisoners go on hunger strikes as part of a protest. Starving yourself is seen as unpredictable and irrational, but this behaviour is understandable in relation to the context.
Another limitation of this definition is that the person might not be able to hold down a job, because of the economy’s current state or prejudice for example. So Failing to function adequately may not be linked to a psychological disorder at all.
Finally Deviation from ideal mental health according to this definition, abnormal behaviour or mental disorder is defined in terms of the extent to which it differs from ideal mental health. This clearly involves having to clearly define what is meant by “ideal mental health”, and then assessing the extent to which a persons’s behaviour deviates or differs from this.
Jahoda identified 6 criteria for mental health:
1. Positive attitude towards ones self – when someone has high self esteem and likes themselves.
2. Growth and development – when someone makes personal progress over a period of time.
The Essay on Minority Mental Illness Health Treatment Hagedorn
Mental health is essential to overall health as well as efficiency. It is the foundation for thriving contributions to family, district, and culture. All through the lifespan, mental health is the source of thoughts and communication skills, knowledge, pliability, and self-esteem. It is all too easy to dismiss the worth of mental health until troubles emerges (Brager, G. & Holloway, S. , ...
3. Resistance to stress – when someone can cope in difficult situations.
4. Personal autonomy – when someone can make their own mind up on decisions.
5. Accurate perception of reality – when someone is able to see things realistically and as they really are.
6. Ability to adapt and change – when someone can alter their behaviour as required by changes in their environment.
Though this definition has some limitations such as the problem of subjectivity, the criteria for mental health are subjective (affected by personal opinion), rather than objective. Since mental health and illness are not physical, if you or someone else have to decide how mentally ill a person is then it is more difficult because everyone has their own definition of it. Therefore this definition cannot provide a full explanation of abnormality.
Also the problem of cultural relativism again, this definition is culturally specific. This means that perhaps jahoda’s criteria are based on a more western view of mental health, and this could vary greatly from another cultures view. Therefore this definition cannot be generalised to the wider population.
