Definitions Of Abnormality

332 Words2 Pages
Definitions of abnormality Deviations of social norms were someone acts different within their social group or society. Such as shouting to them self in the middle of the street, this can be seen as a negative between different social groups. Like wearing bright clothing to a Black & White dinner party, But the main criticism of this definition is that it is cultural relativism this is different cultures have different social norms. Such as Chinese’s women cover their teeth when they laugh and British women don’t so if they when to China they will be seen as abnormal. Failures to function adequately were someone can not handle every day life. Such as getting to school late all the time when that person was never late in 5 years, this definition is easier to spot as it stands out as it’s just one individual that changes in a big way. The main reasons for this to happen are suffering from an illness/disorder such as depression or just given up on life e.g. loss of control of their self. Cultural relativism also is a criticism as different cultures have different ways of life so if some one from a less economically developed country went to America and saw people just sitting down eating lots of food they would think they were failing to functions as they do not work hard to earn money and do not saver their food. Deviations from idea mental health was made by a woman called Marie Jehoda in 1958 who said that mental problems should be looked at the same as physical ones. So she came up with six categories * Self-attitudes * Personal growth * Integration * Autonomy * Have a accurate perception of reality * Mastery of the environment This model proposes that the absence of these criteria indicates abnormality, and potential disorder. This also could be a criticism of this definition as some people can be normal and not master their

More about Definitions Of Abnormality

Open Document