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Simple limitations of definitions

The document discusses issues with different definitions of abnormality, including subjectivity, cultural relativity, and definitions being either over- or under-inclusive. It notes that statistical infrequency does not consider the desirability of behaviors and that some common behaviors are still considered abnormal. Social norms that define abnormality can vary between cultures and over time. A behavior may also be normal or abnormal depending on the context. The concept of adequate functioning is difficult to define and failure to function is normal at some points for most people. The definition of ideal mental health is also culturally and historically variable.

Educação◦Saúde e medicina◦
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Definitions of Abnormality Problems exist with all the definitions we have examined.  Subjectivity  Over- and under-inclusivity  Cultural relativity
Statistical Infrequency Does not consider the desirability of behaviours or traits.  Very high intelligence or extremely altruistic behaviour are both statistically rare, but would not generally be classed as ‘abnormal’.  Many rare behaviours or characteristics (e.g. left handedness) have no bearing on normality or abnormality
Statistical Infrequency Some behaviours/characteristics are regarded as abnormal even though they are quite frequent.  Depression may affect 27% of elderly people (NIMH, 2001). This would make it common but that does not mean it isn’t a problem
Violation of Social Norms Social norms change between cultures and over time. Consequently, so do people’s conceptions of abnormality.  Homosexuality was regarded as a mental illness until 1973, but not any more.  Cross-cultural misunderstandings are common, and may contribute to e.g. high diagnosis rate of schizophrenia amongst non-white British people
Violation of Social Norms Classification of abnormality can only based on the context in which behaviour occurs  Same behaviour might be normal or abnormal e.g. undressing in bathroom or classroom  A subjective judgement is usually necessary e.g. there may be situational factors unknown to the observer
Failure to Function Adequately  Adequate functioning is defined largely by social norms (see ‘deviation from…’)  Most people fail to function adequately at some time, but are not considered ‘abnormal’  After a bereavement most people find it difficult to cope normally  Ironically, they might actually be considered more abnormal if they functioned as usual
Failure to Function Adequately Many people engage in behaviour that is maladaptive/harmful or threatening to self, but we don’t class them as abnormal  Adrenaline sports  Smoking, drinking alcohol  Skipping classes
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health  What is considered ideal is historically and culturally specific (see ‘deviation from social…’)  Jahoda’s and others’ criteria set the bar too high.  Strictly applied, so few people actually meet these criteria that everyone ends up classed as abnormal and so the concept becomes meaningless