Deviation from Social Norms (DSN) – every society has a set of commonly accepted rules and standards of behaviour. Some of these are ‘explicit’ and legally binding (e.g stealing/murdering etc.) and come are ‘implicit’ but not legally binding (e.g. queuing etc.) This basically means that behaviour is considered ‘’normal’’ if the majority considers the behaviour acceptable.
Critisisms - This definition does not take into account desirability – for example having an IQ of about 120 is uncommon, therefore ‘deviating from social norms’ although it is desirable. Another criticism of this model is that social norms change through time and culture, therefore something that is considered ‘normal’ for people in the Germany is totally different for us in the UK (e.g. queuing is a very British thing to do).
Failure to Function Adequately (FFA) – This definition suggests that failing to cope with everyday life (washing, getting out of bed, eating, generally taking care of ones self) is an indication of psychopathology. Society has a collective opinion on how others should lead their lives.
Critisisms - Many of these depend on context, for example a male wearing women's clothes would be accepted at a fancy dress party or a charity event but seen as dysfunctional for every day usage. Cultures have different expectations of how people should behave. What we may consider irrational and unpredictable behaviour may be seen as ‘normal’ in another county.
Deviation from Ideal Mental Health (DIMH) – This definition suggests that instead of trying to define what is mental illness, we should define a state of ideal mental illness. Deviation from this would therefore be classed as abnormal. Jahoda’s (1958) criteria for ideal mental health – an individual should be in touch with their own identity, resistant to stress, be focused on the future and have an accurate perception of reality.
Critisisms - The central limitation of this is that Jahoda's criteria is rooted in a western view of personal growth and development and may not apply to all cultures.
