Definining Abnormality

Definining Abnormality

Many definitions exist but none are entirely satisfactory. "Abnormal" literally means "away from the norm". The norm is the average or typical behavior or characteristic of the population. Thus norms are different for different populations and can change with time and conditions.

Abnormal behavior has been defined four different ways by psychologists and social scientists: statistically, culturally, in terms of psychological adequacy, and in terms of categories of symptoms.

1. Abnormality as deviation from the average

In terms of statistics, abnormal behavior includes any behavior that is significantly different from the norm. In a normal distribution of characteristics or qualities, both very high scores and very low scores are considered statistically abnormal. For example, in terms of intelligence only "average" intelligence is considered statistically normal. Significantly below-average intelligence is considered abnormal, but so is significantly above-average intelligence. Thus in the statistical sense, unusually well-adjusted behavior might be considered abnormal, just as disordered behavior would be.

2. Cultural Abnormality

In cultural terms, it is normal to abide by cultural norms. Cultures have norms for every social behavior, from personal practices in sexual behavior and child-rearing, to public actions like driving a car or choosing what to wear. The cultural definition of abnormality includes any behavior that deviates from cultural norms. If an individual does not know how to dress in public, he or she will be considered abnormal. If an individual deliberately chooses to be a nonconformist in some way, he or she will be considered abnormal.

A problem with the cultural definition is its arbitrariness across time and cultures.l It was normal in the 18th century for American men to wear wigs and pigtails, but not so in the mid-20th century. Judging nonconformists to be abnormal because they do not abide by a dress code will lead to erroneous identifications of abnormality.

3. Psychological Inadequacy Abnormality

Closer to the "true" understanding of abnormal behaviour is a definition in terms of psychological adequacy. This has taken two forms, a value-based interpretation and a practical interpretation.

4. Adequacy as a Value: In one sense, an individual is abnormal if his or her behaviour is not healthy. This view assumes common understanding about what "healthy" behaviour is. Insofar as these values might vary across individuals, even across professionals, this view of abnormality has the same liabilities as the cultural definition. Most people will not achieve "ideal" mental health but will still functional