Describe and evaluate at least two definitions of abnormality(16 marks)
One definition of abnormality is deviation from ideal mental health. One is classed as
abnormal under this definition when they do not meet a certain criteria of ideal mental
health. This criteria, proposed by Marie Jahoda, contains items such as ‘environmental
mastery’, ‘self-actualisation’, and ‘having a realistic perception of reality’. If one doesn’t
meet all of the criteria on this list, then they can be classed as abnormal. For example,
someone with positive symptoms of schizophrenia does not have a realistic perception
of self or reality and does not have environmental mastery. Under this definition, they
may be classed as abnormal.
A strength of this definition of abnormality is that it is comprehensive. As this definition
is based off of a criteria, it gives people a list of values that they can aim towards to
improve their own mental health. This means that rather than focussing on everything
that maybe wrong with them, they can focus on how to better themselves to improve
their quality of life. This is a strength as it allows the people defined as abnormal to find
a direction and a purpose to better themselves, making this a positive definition of
abnormality.
A weakness of this definition of abnormality is that it sets an unrealistic standard for
mental health. It is almost impossible for most people to reach every single one of the
criteria, especially as it is believed that there are only a handful of people in the world
who have reached self-actualisation. Under this definition, most people in the world
should be classed as abnormal. This would make abnormality the norm, which totally
goes against the point of defining someone as abnormal. This is a weakness as it
decreases the application of this definition in real life.
Another definition of abnormality is statistical infrequency. One is classed as abnormal
under this definition when they possess a characteristic that is statistically rare in the
population. This is measured on a standard deviation bell curve. An example of this
definition of abnormality is intellectual development disorder (IDD). IDD is characterised
by having an extremely low IQ, to the point where mental functioning is severely
reduced and the sufferer cannot undergo academic learning to a certain standard and
has reduced ability in abstract thinking and judgement.
A weakness of this definition of abnormality is that some rare characteristics are
actually desirable. The phrase ‘abnormal’ has a negative stigma attached to it. However,
statistically rare characteristics such as an abnormally high IQ or being very tall may
actually be beneficial and/or desirable to some people. It would be wrong to give
someone the negative connotation of being abnormal if they enjoy the rare
characteristic that they have, as not everyone benefits from being labelled. This is a
weakness because the definition may cause unnecessary negative stigmas in people.
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