Discuss definitions of abnormality (12)

One definition of abnormality is deviation from social norms. Social norms are ideas set by social groups and are rules on how people should think and behave in society. These can either be explicit, rules set by the law or implicit, for example being polite. Abnormal behaviour can therefore be regarded as anything that deviates significantly from social norms.

However one limitation of defining abnormality from the deviation of social norms is 'cultural relativism.' Social norms differ from culture to culture. Things that we apply in the Western culture cannot be placed in the East and vice versa. For example, hearing voices may seem natural in non-Western cultures as part of rituals and traditions, however it would be considered as schizophrenic behaviour in Western cultures. This therefore suggests that deviation of social norms cannot justify whether someone is abnormal.

Another weakness is that it varies as time changes. Things that are socially acceptable now many not have been acceptable many years ago. For example homosexuality is acceptable today however in the past it was not. Similarly in Russia, 50 years ago, anyone who went against the state was placed in a mental institution. We cannot therefore define abnormality as what is counted as abnormal changes over time.

A second definition of abnormality is the definition from ideal mental health. Jahoda focused on elements that make up a positive state of 'mental health.' This includes: having a positive attitude towards the self, self actualisation, resistance to stress, personal autonomy, accurate perception of reality, adapting and mastering the environment. The people who are unable to do this are considered abnormal.

One limitation is that meeting all of Jahoda's criteria can be quite demanding and not many people fulfil their full potential in life. This therefore suggests that if self-actualising is a criterion for ideal mental health, then most of us in this world would be considered as mentally ill and abnormal.

Another limitation is that stress can have benefits. Not everyone can work in unstressful conditions. Stress can sometimes drive people forward. Therefore resistance to stress cannot be classified as an ideal criteria as a lot of people work under stress.

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Indiviual differences - Psychology (only 2 definitions with evaluation points)