Definitions Of/Defining Dysfunctional Behaviour

Before the publication of the DSM there were a wide range of methods of categorisation of mental health all of which were equally fraught with problems. Rosenhan and Seligman identified 4 types of definition: Statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately and deviation from ideal health.

1) Statistical infrequency 

In this definition of abnormality, behaviours which are seen as statistically rare, are said to be abnormal. For instance one may say that an individual who has an IQ below or above the average level of IQ in society is abnormal. However, this definition obviously has limitations, it fails to recognise the desirability of the particular behaviour.

Going back to the example, someone who has an IQ level above the normal average would be regarded for their intelligence. This definition also implies that the presence of abnormal behaviour in people should be rare or statistically unusual, which is not the case. Instead, any specific abnormal behaviour may be unusual, but it is not unusual for people to exhibit some form of prolonged abnormal behaviour at some point in their lives.

2) Deviation From Social Norms

Defines the departure or deviation of an individual, from societies unwritten rules. For instance, seeing a man running around the streets naked would be perceived as abnormal. There are also a number of criteria for one to examine before reaching a judgement as to whether someone has deviated from societies norms. First of these criteria are culture: what may be seen as abnormal in one culture maybe seen as normal in another. The second criteria being situation and context: one is placed in, for example; going to the toilet is a normal human act however going in the middle of a supermarket isn't. The third criteria being age: a 3 year old would get away with taking his clothes off in public however a 20 year old wouldn't. The fourth criteria is gender. The fifth criteria is historical context; standards of normal behaviour change in some societies, sometimes very rapidly.

3) The Failure To Function Adequately

When a person is unable to function independently in society.

• Dysfunctional behaviours (OCD)
• Distressing behaviours (Agoraphobia)
• Unpredictable behaviour (Mood swings 
• Irrational behaviour (Paranoia)

4) Deviation From Ideal Mental Health

Such as: Lacking positive self view, independence, stress resistance, personal growth capability, accurate view of reality, adaptability to environment