Three Definitions of Abnormality

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There are three definitions of abnormality, these attempt to define what abnormality is. The first of these definitions is the Deviation from Social Norms, this suggests that the individuals behaviour does not conform to the accepted ways of behaving within a society. The accepted ways are unwritten rules that members of a society regard as being 'normal'. These social norms can vary from saying 'please' and 'thank you' or dressing in a certain way. Social norms may however, can vary between cultures – for example, African tribes wear little clothing and Western cultures keep parts of their body covered at all times. One limitation of this definition would be that the cultures have different norms and so you may be considered mentally ill in one country and not in another - therefore making it inconsistent, and thus the , definition is culturally relative. A second limitation of this definition would be that it is subjective, this means it based on other people's opinions, this is a problem because they are based on opinions of elites in society rather than majority opinion. It may seem normal within their sub culture, but abnormal to others. The second definition is the 'Failure to Function Adequately' definition, proposed by Rosenhan & Seligman in 1989, it suggests that abnormality should be defined as a range of characteristics that suggest a person is failing to function adequately in their daily life. These characteristics are: Suffering Maladaptiveness (danger to self) Vividness & unconventionality (stands out) Unpredictably & loss of control Irrationality/incomprehensibility Causes observer discomfort Violates moral/social standards One limitation of this definition is that some “abnormal” behaviour could not in fact be caused by being abnormal, but by the person using his different behaviour to
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