Meaning of
Abnormality
Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
Important Terms
• Pathology
– The science of the causes and effects of diseases
– A pathological condition
• Psychopathology
– Scientific study of mental disorders
• Abnormal Psychology
– Branch of psychology that focuses on
psychological abnormality
• Abnormality  what is abnormal?
Defining Abnormality
• Labeling a person or behavior as
‘abnormal’ implies something
undesirable and requiring change
• Therefore, we must be careful how we
use the term
• Psychologists need methods for
distinguishing ‘normal’ from ‘abnormal’
Defining Abnormality
• Our definition of abnormality must be
objective:
– It must not depend on anyone’s opinion or
point of view
– It should produce the same results
whoever applies it
• It must not be under- or over-inclusive
– It must not label as ‘abnormal’ or ‘normal’
behaviours or traits that aren’t
Defining Abnormality
• Four Criteria can be asked for in the
examination:
– Statistical infrequency
– Deviation from social norms
– Failure to function adequately
– Deviation from ideal mental health
Statistical Infrequency
• Under this criterion, a person’s trait,
thinking or behavior is classified as
abnormal if it is rare or statistically
unusual.
• With this definition it is necessary to
be clear about how rare a trait or
behavior needs to be before we class
it as abnormal.
Statistical Infrequency
Average IQ in the
population is 100pts.
frequency
The further from 100
you look, the fewer
people you find
70
100
IQ Scores
130
Statistical Infrequency
frequency
A very small subset of the
population (<2.2%) have
an IQ below 70pts. Such
people are statistically
rare. We regard them as
having abnormally low IQs
70
100
IQ Scores
130
Deviation from Social Norms
• Under this criterion, a person’s thinking or
behavior is classified as abnormal if it
violates the norms  the standard of what
is expected or acceptable behavior in a
particular social group.
• Their behavior may:
– Be incomprehensible to others
– Make others feel threatened or
uncomfortable
Deviation from Social Norms
• With this criterion, it is necessary to
consider:
– The degree to which a norm is
violated, the importance of that norm
and the value attached by the social
group to different sorts of violation.
– E.g. is the violation rude, eccentric,
abnormal or criminal?
Failure to Function Adequately
• Under this criterion, a person is considered abnormal if they
are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life.
• They may be unable to perform the behaviors necessary for
day-to-day living
– e.g. self-care, hold down a job, interact
meaningfully with others, make themselves
understood etc.
Failure to Function Adequately
• Rosenhan & Seligman suggest the following
characteristics:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Suffering
Maladaptiveness
Vividness & unconventionality
Unpredictability & loss of control
Irrationality/incomprehensibility
Causes observer discomfort
Violates moral/social standards
Deviation from Ideal Mental health
• Under this criterion, rather than defining what is
abnormal, we define what is normal/ideal and anything
that deviates from this is regarded as abnormal
• This requires us to decide on the characteristics we
consider necessary to mental health
Deviation from Ideal Mental health
• Psychologists vary, but usual characteristics
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
Group Discussion
• Pick at least two criteria and think of at least
one example for each.