Defining abnormality FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATELY Recap Deviation

Defining abnormality FAILURE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATELY

Recap! Deviation from social norms Implict Rules Explict rules Social norms Cultural issues The role of context Written rules such as the law A limitation of the social norms definition as it fails to take into account the situation. Behaviour that is normal in one situation might not be in another. These rules that a society has about what are acceptable behaviours. A definition of abnormality which explains abnormality as any behaviour that breaks social norms. Rules which are unspoken but are generally accepted throughout society. A limitation of the social norms definition as it fails to account for differences in “normal behaviour” in different countries.

Learning objectives To outline the “failure to function adequately” definition of abnormality To explain the limitations of this definition

Failure to function adequately Use the handout to answer the questions on this explanation of abnormality EVALUATION – complete 3 limitations using hand-out Exam question!

Limitations of this definition: Cultural relativism - what may be seen as functioning adequately in one culture may not be adequate in another. This is likely to result in different diagnoses in different cultures. Context Dependent – a person may be seen as failing to function but they are not necessarily abnormal. For example, a student who is studying for an exam may look after them self poorly and become a social recluse (avoid others). They would not, however, be thought to have a psychological disorder. Other Factors – this is not a true definition of abnormality. It does not demonstrate the whole picture. Abnormality is not demonstrated by dysfunction alone.