Compare and contrast two definitions

of abnormality

Abnormality has been defined in number of ways, including: unusual behaviour that is
different from the norm; behaviour that does not conform to social expectations or
demands; statistical infrequency; failure to function adequately; presence of pronounced
psychological suffering or distress; deviation from ideal mental health.

The two main definitions are statistical abnormality and deviations from social norms.
Statistical abnormality can be defined as anything that occurs relatively rarely. This
approach is most useful when dealing with human characteristics that can be reliably
measured, for example, intelligence, anxiety and depression. However, a deviation from
social norms defines the departure or deviation of an individual, from society's unwritten
rules (norms), for example, people would consider a person being abnormal when he or she
laughs at a funeral instead of showing sad emotions which is expected by the society. Social
norm is a behaviour or belief that most people stick to within a society.

There are limitations associated in both of these definitions. Statistical abnormality

limitations can be clearly shown by IQ score distribution. IQ scores of 130 or more are just as
infrequent as those of below 70, but we wouldn’t consider calling people who has got IQ of
more than 130 as being abnormal just because they are very intelligent. Statistical
infrequency on its own is therefore not a sufficient criterion for defining behaviour as
abnormal, although statistical measures, for example IQ, depression or anxiety, may form
part of the process of diagnosis.

Social norms are specific to cultures which can cause problem limiting its definition, for
example, British psychiatrists (being mainly male, white and middle class) may not be well
prepared to understand the behaviour, emotions and motivations of individuals from
different cultural and social backgrounds.

In terms of evaluation both of these definitions have advantages and disadvantages.

Statistical abnormality advantage would be the use of a statistical measure that might be
regarded as ‘scientific’ as it involves numbers and permits comparisons to be made.
Disadvantages include the fact that a behaviour, skill or ability is statistically infrequent does
not mean that it is perceived as abnormal by other people.  Some behaviour, skills occur
infrequently in the population but are highly desirable.  Only a few people in the population
are top athletes, musicians and geniuses but they are not regarded as abnormal.

Deviation from social norms- one advantage of this definition is that it can be a practical way
to identify mental problems. Disadvantages include deviation or violation from social norms
may not necessarily indicate psychological abnormality.  In the case of a person with
anorexia nervosa, self-starvation does indicate abnormality.  However, variations in
hairstyles, music preferences, may not be seen as abnormal.