Definitions of abnormality and evaluation

1. Unit 2 - PSYA2:
Individual
Differences
Definitions of Abnormality
 Deviation from Social Norms
 Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
 Failure to function adequately

2. Normal or abnormal?

3. “Deviation from social norms”…
Every society sets up rules. They can be…
Explicit ‘rules’… Implicit ‘rules’…
Violating explicit rules means These are unspoken &
breaking the law e.g. arson, conventional e.g. Standing
taking drugs… too close to someone
People who violate explicit People who violate
rules are criminal implicit rules are deviant
Since rules become established as ‘norms’, anyone who
deviates from these can be seen as ‘abnormal’ if we
accept this definition…

4. Eye on the
Real life Application of exam: You
could be asked
Deviation from social norms… to apply your
knowledge to a
person’s
behaviour…
NAME: Tiger Woods has violated both explicit & implicit rules
EXPLAIN: E.g. he has committed adultery (explicit) & could
therefore be considered ‘criminal’. He has also broken
unspoken rules about relationships (implicit) & can
therefore be seen as ‘deviant’
Since he has violated these rules that have become
APPLY: ‘norms’ Tiger Woods can be regarded as ‘abnormal’, if
we accept this definition.

5. Evaluation (Ao2)
In your group, discuss what you think the
strengths & limitations are for this
definition of abnormality.
One member of your group needs to list the
discussion points on the mini whiteboard provided.
You will feedback your ideas to the rest of the class.

6. AO2: STRENGTHS of
“Deviation from Social Norms”
Since social norms identify behaviours that are ‘desirable’ (ideally)
for the individual and society, this definition allows us to assess the
desirability of a behaviour. Deviance from social norms is viewed as
undesirable.
.
This definition also takes into account the effect that
behaviour has on others. Deviance is defined in terms
of ‘breaking social rules’ & these rules are established
to help people live together. Deviant behaviour is
socially unacceptable as it is damaging to the social
rules that bind society together.

7. Deviation can promote social
change
Social deviancy is not necessarily a bad thing. Some
people may choose to live an alternative, non-conformist
lifestyle. Others are socially deviant because their
behaviour is motivated by high principles e.g. opposition
to an oppressive government.
Often social deviance is the catalyst for social change.

8. AO2: LIMITATIONS of
“Deviation from Social Norms”
We cannot accept that deviating from social norms ALWAYS means
being abnormal. There are limitations/criticisms of this definition
Eccentric or abnormal?
Sometimes, behaviour that deviates away from the
norm is more ECCENTRIC than abnormal. For
example, someone running a marathon dressed as a
giant armadillo we may think is a bit strange or
eccentric, but not psychologically abnormal. However,
eccentricity may be abnormal if it is severe enough.

9. Abnormal or Criminal?
People who violate legal norms are usually regarded as
showing criminal (deviant) behaviour, but stealing cars
is rarely due to underlying psychological disorder.
Other criminals e.g. serial killers, are more likely to be
viewed as abnormal & having an inbuilt fault in their
personality. ‘Normal’ people couldn’t commit such
crimes.
The severity/magnitude of the behaviour is important
when defining abnormality using deviation from the
norm.

10. The role of context…
We must remember that much of our behaviour is
context-specific, and if taken OUT OF CONTEXT then it
might see odd or abnormal.
For example, it might be normal to jump up and down
screaming orders at people (if you are a spectator at a
football match and you are shouting at the players)…but
taken out of context, if we did that at the opera, or in the
supermarket then it would be abnormal

11. Change with the times…
Society’s beliefs about what is abnormal
changes over time. What is thought of as
deviant by one generation, might not be by the
next.
For example, before the 20th century, unmarried
women in the UK who had babies were sent to
mental institutions and their babies put up for
adoption. So we cannot just accept that deviating
from social norms means we are abnormal
A way of excluding non conformists from society
e.g. homosexuality – ‘susceptible to abuse’

12. Cultural Issues…
We can’t make the assumption that what
we see as abnormal in our culture should
be classed as abnormal in others, and vice
versa. These are cultural issues
with this definition.
For example, talking out loud to an
invisible person is abnormal in our culture,
but often quite normal in some African and
Indian cultures following a bereavement.

13. Summary of Deviation from Social Norms
This definition suggests that we can be defined as
abnormal if…
• we break either explicit or implicit rules that have
AO1
become ‘norms’ in the society we live in
Strengths of this definition are…
•It allows us to assess the DESIRABILITY of a behaviour – help
people live together.
•It can promote SOCIAL CHANGE
AO2
Limitations of this definition are…
• Our behaviour might be ECCENTRIC, not abnormal
• It might just seem abnormal if TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT
• Social Norms CHANGE OVER TIME
• Social Norms are different across CULTURES

14. Brain Break…
Spend 10
minutes
with some
of the new
activities!

15. “Deviation from social norms”…
Every society sets up rules. They can be…
E______ ‘rules’… I______ ‘rules’…
Violating explicit rules means These are unspoken &
breaking the law e.g. arson, conventional e.g. Standing
taking drugs… too close to someone
People who violate explicit People who violate
rules are _______ implicit rules are _______
Since rules become established as ‘________’, anyone
who deviates from these can be seen as ‘abnormal’ if we
accept this definition…

16. Eye on the
exam: You
Real life Application of could be asked
to apply your
Deviation from social norms… knowledge to a
person’s
behaviour…
NAME: Tiger Woods has violated ____________________ rules
E.g. he has committed adultery (________) & could
therefore be considered ‘criminal’. He has also broken
EXPLAIN: unspoken rules about relationships (____________) &
can therefore be seen as ‘deviant’
Since he has violated these rules that have become
APPLY: ‘________’ Tiger Woods can be regarded as ‘abnormal’,
if we accept this definition.

17. AO2: STRENGTHS of
“Deviation from Social Norms”
Since social norms identify behaviours that are ‘desirable’ (ideally)
for the individual and society, this approach allows us to assess the
desirability of a behaviour. Deviance from social norms is viewed as
undesirable.
.
This model also takes into account the effect that
behaviour has on others. Deviance is defined in terms
of ‘breaking social rules’ & these rules are established
to help___________ ________ ________. Deviant
behaviour is socially unacceptable as it is damaging to
the social rules that bind society together.

18. Deviation can promote social
change
Social deviancy is not necessarily a bad thing. Some
people may choose to live an alternative, non-conformist
lifestyle. Others are socially deviant because their
behaviour is motivated by high principles e.g. opposition
to an oppressive government.
Often social deviance is the _______ for social ________.

19. AO2: LIMITATIONS of
“Deviation from Social Norms”
We cannot accept that deviating from social norms ALWAYS means
being abnormal. There are limitations/criticisms of this definition
Sometimes, behaviour that deviates away from the
norm is more ___________ than abnormal. For
example, someone running a marathon dressed as a
giant armadillo we may think is a bit strange or
eccentric, but not psychologically abnormal. However,
eccentricity may be abnormal if it is severe enough.

20. Abnormal or Criminal?
People who violate legal norms are usually regarded as
showing criminal behaviour, but stealing cars is rarely
due to underlying _______________ disorder.
Other criminals e.g. serial killers, are more likely to be
viewed as abnormal & having an inbuilt fault in their
personality. ‘Normal’ people couldn’t commit such
crimes.
The severity/magnitude of the behaviour is important
when defining __________ using deviation from the
norm.

21. 2.We must remember that much of our behaviour is
context-specific, and if taken ___ __ _________ then it
might see odd or abnormal.
For example, it might be normal to jump up and down
screaming orders at people (if you are a spectator at a
football match and you are shouting at the players)…but
taken out of context, if we did that at the opera, or in the
supermarket then it would be abnormal

22. 3. Society’s beliefs about what
is
abnormal ________ _____ ____.
What is thought of as deviant by one
generation, might not be by the next.
For example, before the 20th century,
unmarried women in the UK who had
babies were sent to mental institutions
and their babies put up for adoption. So
we cannot just accept that deviating from
social norms means we are abnormal

23. 6. We can’t make the assumption that what
we see as abnormal in our culture should
be classed as abnormal in others, and vice
versa. These are _______ _____
with this definition.
For example, talking out loud to an
invisible person is abnormal in our culture,
but often quite normal in some African and
Indian cultures following a bereavement.

24. Summary of Deviation from Social Norms
This definition suggests that we can be defined as
abnormal if…
AO1
• we break either explicit or implicit rules that have
become ‘norms’ in the society we live in
The limitations of this definition are…
• Our behaviour might be ECCENTRIC, not abnormal
AO2
• It might just seem abnormal if TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT
• Social Norms CHANGE OVER TIME
• Social Norms are different across CULTURES

25. Brain Break…
Spend 10
minutes
with some
of the new
activities!

26. Quick Quiz!
Matthew works part-time in a very respectable hotel.
After each shift he works, he goes to play football with
his friends at a local park. The hotel has strict rules
about staff wearing the correct uniform, so Matthew
always makes sure that he wears his freshly ironed
shirt and trousers, along with polished shoes.
However, sometimes he forgets his change of clothes
and goes to play football in what he is wearing. His
friends think he is abnormal. Is he?

27. “Deviation from
Ideal Mental Health”
Considers characteristics of mental health, rather than mental
illness. According to this definition, people should ‘meet’
certain criteria to be considered ‘normal’.
Jahoda - identifies 6 characteristics associated with optimal
living & ‘ideal mental health’. Therefore, anyone who deviates
from this is ‘abnormal’.
Resistance to stress
Accurate perception of reality
Positive attitude towards the self
Personal autonomy
Adapting to the environment
Self-actualization of your potential

28. Eye on the
exam: You
could be asked
to apply your
knowledge to a
person’s
behaviour…
Kerry Katona might be deviating from ‘Ideal mental health’ as
NAME: she is ‘missing’ some criteria…
E.g. she has failed to master her environment (showbiz),
whilst also not having a positive attitudes towards herself
EXPLAIN: (see MTV). Furthermore, she seems unable to resist stress
(see any of the arguments she has with Mark).
Since Kerry fails to ‘tick’ some of the criteria of ‘Ideal mental
APPLY: health’ she could be considered ‘abnormal’.

29. Evaluation (Ao2)
In pairs, brainstorm what you think the
strengths & limitations are for this
definition of abnormality.
Discuss your ideas with another pair.

30. AO2: LIMITATIONS of
“Deviation from Ideal Mental Health”
This approach is refreshing as it focuses on positive,
rather than negative aspects of life. But to meet all 6
criteria is quite demanding, and therefore most people
will fall short of ‘ideal mental health’
• It is difficult to ‘self-actualize’ as very few people
meet their full potential in life.
• There are possible benefits to stress, as some people
work better under moderate stress.
• There are cultural issues as Jahoda’s ideas are based
on Western ideals evident in some cultures but not
others
You must APPLY these weaknesses with more detail,
explaining why they criticise the definition

31. “Failure to function adequately”
• Based on the idea that everyone should be able to
make a contribution to society. People with
psychological disorders often experience suffering &
distress and are unable to cope with their everyday
activities
• When diagnosing mental disorders, Dr’s are required
to take this into account. One measure used is the
‘DSM’, however the Global Assessment of Functioning
Scale (GAF) assesses people on physical &
psychological measures.

32. Rosenhan & Seligman
suggest 7 criteria that indicate a failure to function
adequately. The more criteria a person meets, the more
severe their abnormal behaviour is considered to be
Suffering - e.g. anxiety disorders
Maladaptiveness - preventing you getting on with life
Unpredictability - e.g. mood swings
Observer discomfort - behaviour making others uncomfortable
Unconventionality - different from others behaviour
Irrationality - others can’t understand why
Violation of moral standards - going against moral standards
Rosenhan & Seligman argued that each might not be significant on its own but,
when several were present, they are indicative of abnormality.

33. Real life application of Failure to onYou
Eye
exam:
the
Function Adequately could be asked
to apply your
knowledge to a
person’s
behaviour…
Michael Jackson might have been failing to function
NAME: adequately as he was causing distress both to himself
and others…
E.g. his behaviour had become progressively
EXPLAIN: unpredictable, whilst his behaviour also caused
observer discomfort (e.g. swinging ‘blanket’ over a
balcony). Furthermore, he sometimes acted
unconventionally (e.g. sleeping in an oxygen tank) and
he sometimes behaved irrationally (e.g. by making his
children wear masks for fear of contamination)
APPLY:
Since Michael ‘achieved’ some of the criteria of
‘failure to function adequately’ he could have been
considered ‘abnormal’.

34. Evaluation (Ao2)
Discuss what you think the strengths &
limitations are for this definition of
abnormality.

35. AO2: LIMITATIONS of
“Failure to function adequately”
• Not the whole picture: It does not really define
abnormality, it just determines the extent of a persons
problems and the likelihood of them needing
professional help
• Who judges? Someone needs to determine if this is
the case.
• Exceptions to the rule: sometimes people behave
uncharacteristically or inadequately, but this does not
make them abnormal
• Adaptive or maladaptive? Some dysfunctional
behaviour can be adaptive/functional for the
individual e.g. transvestitism is classed as mental
disorder but the individual may make a living out of it.
• Direction of causality: the inability to cope with life
might be the cause of a mental disorder, not always a
symptom of one

36. Evaluation (Ao2)
The 3 approaches to defining abnormality
share several strengths & limitations.
Can you identify these strengths &
limitations?

37. Evaluation (Ao2)
The 3 approaches to defining abnormality share strengths &
limitations e.g.
+ve: A gateway to treatment – help lay people to decide whether
to seek professional help if they or others are concerned about
deviant behaviour, failure to function or deviation from ideal mental
health.
-ve: Relating definitions to changing contexts & times
-ve: Cultural limitations – open to cultural bias

38. Deviation from Social
Norms BUT this could be just eccentric
behaviour, or taken out of
Explicit & implicit rules context to appear abnormal. It
of society are norms… could also be culturally and
breaking them is historically dependent.
‘abnormal’ behaviour
Deviation from
Ideal Mental Health
Failure to function
Defining
Resistance to stress
adequately Abnormality Accurate perception of reality
Positive attitude towards the self
Being unable to function Personal autonomy
Adapting to the environment
on an adequate level in Self-actualization
the society we live in is
‘abnormal’ behaviour … 6 criteria of ideal mental health
BUT, failing to function adequately is
not always the whole picture. There BUT to meet all 6 criteria is
are often exceptions to the rule. This quite demanding, and therefore
definition is both Era and Context most people will fall short of
dependent, and the Direction of ‘ideal mental health’
causality – cultural issues

39. Typical examination questions…
questions
• Outline two definitions of abnormality (3+3
marks)
• Explain one limitation of the ??? definition of
abnormality (3 marks)
• Using your knowledge of psychology, explain
how ??? may be considered ‘abnormal’ (4
marks)
• Outline and evaluate two or more definitions of
abnormality (8,10 or 12 marks)