Definitions Of Abnormality

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Abnormality definitions essay Deviation from social norm ‘It is an unwritten rule which governs behaviour in a given social context. Using this definition, behaviour which breaks these rules is regarded as abnormal’. So if a person’s thinking or behavior seems abnormal it only be classified as abnormal if it violates the rules about what is expected or acceptable behavior in a particular social group. For example, if someone was to run around the streets of Chippenham naked, then that would be seen as abnormal, as they have broken the rule of the society norms, therefore deviating from social norms. Their behavior may: * Be incomprehensible to others * Make others feel threatened or uncomfortable * Could scar children for life With this definition, 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. Like is the violation rude, eccentric, abnormal or criminal? Failure to Function Adequately It means that if a person is unable to live a normal life, e.g. goes to work, form close relationships, or perhaps venture outdoors. When a particular behaviour interferes with everyday life then it might be regarded as an abnormal. Under this definition, a person is considered abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life. In FF (Failure to Function Adequately) we define what normal/ideal is and anything that deviates from this is regarded as abnormal, this requires us to decide on the characteristics we consider necessary to mental
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