Outline and evaluate one definition of abnormality.

Statistical infrequency can be used to define abnormality, it involves an individual not fitting into the normal distribution of society so they are regarded as abnormal. There is, however, a problem with this definition as some abnormal behaviour is regarded as desirable, for example, a high IQ is not common but is considered as desirable. This criticism also applies to the reverse as depression is not desirable but is fairly common among the population. Therefore, the definition needs to incorporate a distinction between desirable and abnormal behaviours.

Another issue with this definition of abnormality is that the cut off point is subjectively determined as it has to be cut off somewhere, but the decision of this can effect the objectivity of the data. This means it may not be an accurate definition to use in all cases of defining abnormality.