Statistical Infrequency: Defining Abnormality
Statistical infrequency is a method used in psychology to define abnormal behavior based on its rarity within a population. This approach relies on the concept of statistical norms, which represent behaviors demonstrated by the majority of society.
Definition: A statistical norm is a behavior demonstrated by the majority of society. The less frequently a behavior occurs, the more likely it is to be considered abnormal.
This definition focuses on quantity rather than quality, assuming that the majority of people exhibit normal behavior while the minority display abnormal behavior. The judgment of whether a behavior is statistically frequent or infrequent is based on the mathematical principle of the normal distribution.
Highlight: Someone is considered abnormal when they demonstrate behavior that is statistically rare or uncommon.
To illustrate this concept, we can look at a specific disorder:
Example: Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the population, making it statistically rare and thus considered abnormal under this definition.
Evaluation of Statistical Infrequency
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Objective Approach:
The statistical infrequency definition offers an objective approach to diagnosing abnormality. It introduces an element of objectivity into the process of defining abnormality, allowing different mental health care workers to view the same kind of behavior in a consistent way.
Highlight: This objectivity is a strength because it means that no value judgments are made, and the identification of abnormality is free from bias and not affected by the experience or opinions of those diagnosing it.
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Limitations in Identifying Common Abnormal Behaviors:
Not all abnormal behaviors are infrequent. For instance, chronic depression is experienced by approximately 10% of the population at some point in their lives.
Highlight: This limitation suggests that some behaviors like depression, usually considered abnormal, are so common that they'd be considered normal under the statistical infrequency definition.
