Definitions of Abnormality

Abnormal psychology is a division of psychology that studies people who are "abnormal" or "atypical" compared to the members of a given society. There is evidence that some psychological disorders are more common than was previously thought. Depending on how data are gathered and how diagnoses are made, as many as 27% of some population groups may be suffering from depression at any one time (NIMH, 2001; data for older adults).

There are many ways that abnormality can be defined. For example:

Statistical infrequency

Under this definition, a personxs trait, thinking or behaviour is classified as abnormal if it is rare or statistically unusual. With this definition it is necessary to be clear about how rare a trait or behaviour needs to be before we class it as abnormal

Violation of social norms

Under this definition, a personxs thinking or behaviour is classified as abnormal if it violates the (unwritten) rules about what is expected or acceptable behaviour in a particular social group. Their behaviour may be incomprehensible to others or make others feel threatened or uncomfortable. Social behaviour varies markedly when different cultures are compared. For example, it is common in Southern Europe to stand much closer to strangers than in the UK. Voice pitch and volume, touching, direction of gaze and acceptable subjects for discussion have all been found to vary between cultures. With this definition, it is necessary to consider: (i) 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. (ii) E.g. is the violation rude, eccentric, abnormal or criminal?

Failure to function adequately

Under this definition, a person is considered abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life. They may be unable to perform the behaviours necessary for day-to-day living e.g. self-care, hold down a job, interact meaningfully with others, make themselves understood etc. Rosenhan & Seligman (1989) suggest the following characteristics that define failure to function adequately:

o Suffering

o Maladaptiveness (danger to self)

o Vividness & unconventionality (stands out)

o Unpredictably & loss of control

o Irrationality/incomprehensibility

o Causes observer discomfort

o Violates moral/social standards

Deviation from ideal mental health

Under this definition, rather than defining what is abnormal, we define what is normal/ideal and anything that deviates from this is regarded as abnormal. This requires us to decide on the characteristics we consider necessary to mental health. Psychologists vary, but usual characteristics include:

o Positive view of the self

o Capability for growth and development

o Autonomy and independence

o Accurate perception of reality

o Positive friendships and relationships

o Environmental mastery – able to meet the varying demands of day-to-day situations

Abnormal Psychology Audio Broadcasts

Listen to a BBC radio broadcast on Madness, from the series Am I Normal?

One in 10 of us has had a mad or psychotic experience at some time in our life. We might briefly but passionately believe that we are Jesus, or think the television is talking directly to us. Mad thoughts certainly but do they make us mad? Under extreme stress, we all suffer physically and mentally. One in 4 of us will have a bout of madness. Most recover and life continues normally enough. Does this make us mad - or normal?

Listen to a BBC radio broadcast on the Boundaries of Sanity and Madness, from the series All in the mind?

What are the boundaries, if any, between madness and normality? Dr Raj Persaud talks to Professor Richard Bentall psychologist and author of Madness Explained: Psychosis and Human Nature, who believes that his research shows that we are all mad to varying degrees and that the fear of madness may be a much bigger problem than madness itself.

If psychiatric diagnoses are about as accurate as horoscopes as he claims, how do we decipher who is sane or not? Dr Peter McKenna, consultant psychiatrist at the Fulbourn Hospital in Cambridge and Peter Chadwick, lecturer in psychology, Birkbeck College and author of Schizophrenia: the Positive Perspective join in the debate.

Listen to a MIT undergraduate lecture on Defining Mental Illness.

Listen to a MIT undergraduate lecture on Causing Mental Illness.

Listen to a MIT undergraduate lecture on Curing Mental Illness.

All broadcasts require require Real Audio Player.