Psychology · Year 12 · Approaches and Psychopathology · 4.º Período

Definitions of Abnormality

Evaluating the different ways psychologists define abnormal behaviour, including statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, and deviation from ideal mental health.

TL;DR:Defining what is 'abnormal' is one of the most challenging tasks in psychology. Students evaluate four main definitions: statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, and deviation from ideal mental health. Each definition has its own strengths and significant limitations, particularly when applied to different cultures or historical periods.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• AQA 4.1.4.1 Definitions of abnormality
• AQA 4.1.4.2 Characteristics of phobias, depression and OCD

About This Topic

Defining what is 'abnormal' is one of the most challenging tasks in psychology. Students evaluate four main definitions: statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, and deviation from ideal mental health. Each definition has its own strengths and significant limitations, particularly when applied to different cultures or historical periods.

This topic encourages students to think critically about the labels we place on human behaviour. They explore the characteristics of three specific disorders: phobias, depression, and OCD. By understanding the behavioural, emotional, and cognitive symptoms of these conditions, students build the clinical knowledge needed to apply psychological theories of explanation and treatment later in the course.

Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation where they can debate the 'cut-off' points for abnormality in various scenarios.

Key Questions

1. What are the limitations of using statistical infrequency to define abnormality?
2. How do cultural norms complicate the definition of abnormal behaviour?
3. What criteria constitute 'ideal mental health'?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Statistical infrequency is always a sign of a disorder.

What to Teach Instead

Point out that high IQ is statistically infrequent but highly desirable. Explain that we only use this definition when the infrequent behaviour is also distressing or unhelpful. Using a 'normal distribution' curve helps students see that both ends of the spectrum are rare, but not both are 'abnormal'.

Common Misconception

OCD is just being very tidy.

What to Teach Instead

Clarify that OCD involves intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviours (compulsions) that interfere with daily life. Reviewing the 'cognitive' symptoms of OCD helps students move beyond the 'tidy' stereotype.

Active Learning Ideas

Collaborative Problem-Solving

Defining the 'Line'

Give groups various scenarios (e.g., someone who washes their hands 20 times a day, someone who refuses to leave their house). Groups must decide which of the four definitions of abnormality best fits each case and identify any problems with that label.

45 min·Small Groups

Gallery Walk

Symptoms of Disorders

Display posters for Phobias, Depression, and OCD. Students move between them, categorising provided symptoms into 'Behavioural', 'Emotional', or 'Cognitive' categories for each disorder.

40 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

Cultural Norms

Students discuss behaviours that are considered 'normal' in one culture but 'abnormal' in another (e.g., hearing voices, specific dress codes). They share how this complicates the 'deviation from social norms' definition.

25 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'failure to function adequately'?

This definition suggests someone is abnormal if they can no longer cope with the demands of everyday life, such as maintaining a job, hygiene, or relationships. It focuses on the individual's experience and whether their behaviour is causing them or others distress.

What are Jahoda's criteria for ideal mental health?

Jahoda suggested six criteria: positive self-attitude, self-actualisation, resistance to stress, personal autonomy, accurate perception of reality, and mastery of the environment. If someone lacks these, they may be considered 'abnormal' by this definition.

How do social norms change over time?

Social norms are culturally and historically specific. For example, homosexuality was once classified as a mental disorder in the UK but is now recognised as a normal variation of human sexuality. This highlights the subjective nature of the 'deviation from social norms' definition.

How can active learning help students understand definitions of abnormality?

Active learning, such as debating real-world scenarios, forces students to confront the 'grey areas' of diagnosis. By trying to apply different definitions to the same case, they quickly see the flaws and biases in each. This critical engagement is much more effective for developing the high-level evaluation skills required for the AQA exams than simply reading the definitions.