Normality and abnormality in psychology. Microaggressions: More Than Just Race 2023-01-04

Normality and abnormality in psychology Rating: 8,9/10 568 reviews

In psychology, normality and abnormality are complex concepts that are often discussed and debated. Normality refers to behavior that is considered typical or expected within a particular culture or society. It is often associated with concepts such as mental health, well-being, and functionality. Abnormality, on the other hand, refers to behavior that deviates from these norms and is often seen as unhealthy, dysfunctional, or distressing.

One way that psychologists have attempted to define normality and abnormality is through the use of diagnostic criteria. The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is a widely used manual that provides a set of criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. These criteria are based on the presence of specific symptoms, such as abnormal thoughts, emotions, or behaviors, that are considered indicative of a particular disorder.

However, there are several problems with using diagnostic criteria to define normality and abnormality. One issue is that these criteria are often culturally specific and may not be applicable to all societies or individuals. For example, certain behaviors that are considered abnormal in one culture may be considered normal in another. Additionally, diagnostic criteria are often based on the average or typical experience of a particular disorder, which means that individuals who do not meet all of the criteria may still be struggling with mental health issues.

Another problem with using diagnostic criteria to define normality and abnormality is that they do not take into account the context in which a particular behavior occurs. For example, a behavior that may be considered abnormal in one situation may be completely normal in another. This means that relying solely on diagnostic criteria can lead to a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health that does not adequately account for individual differences or the unique circumstances of each person.

A more holistic approach to understanding normality and abnormality involves considering both internal and external factors that may be contributing to a person's behavior. This approach recognizes that mental health is not simply the absence of mental disorders, but rather a complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors. By considering these factors, psychologists can develop a more nuanced understanding of normality and abnormality and better support individuals who are struggling with mental health issues.

In conclusion, normality and abnormality are complex concepts that are influenced by a variety of factors. While diagnostic criteria can be useful in identifying mental disorders, they do not provide a complete understanding of mental health and well-being. A more holistic approach that considers the unique circumstances and experiences of each individual is needed to accurately understand and support mental health.

Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

normality and abnormality in psychology

Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 87, 664 668. A diagnosis can restore a sense of wholeness by naming, and confining, an ailment. Retrieved 19 April 2007, from antipsychiatry. Hidden message: You and your group are criminals. Psychosis as a state of aberrant salience: a framework linking biology, phenomenology, and pharmacology in schizophrenia. The phobics tended to overestimate the number of snake images presented.


Next

Normality (behavior)

normality and abnormality in psychology

His symptoms include loss of concentration, lack of sleep and struggles to sleep at night. Risk factors During the prenatal stage, factors like unwanted pregnancy, lack of adaptation to pregnancy or substance use during pregnancy increases the risk of developing a mental disorder. This popular conception of the distribution of human personality is represented below diagrammatically which aptly suggests a qualitative difference between the insane, normal and genius. More structured approaches are being increasingly used to measure levels of mental illness. Until 1980 homosexuality was considered a psychological disorder by the World Health Organization WHO but today is considered acceptable. If any deviation from the normal behaviour is considered as abnormal, geniuses and mentally retarded persons would also be called abnormal and maladjusted. For example, some snake phobics have never encountered a snake.

Next

Schizotypy

normality and abnormality in psychology

Therefore, such a criterion should be developed and accepted which can distinguish between desirable and undesirable deviations. Additionally Dopamine is abnormally high in individuals with OCD. Web: The Wellcome Library. As most people seeking clinical help believe that they are suffering from psychological problems that interfere with the ability to function properly, it supports the definition. While rates of psychological disorders are often the same for men and women, women tend to have a higher rate of depression. Parents who might have once thought of a child as slow or eccentric now see him as having dyslexia or Asperger's syndrome—and then notice similar tendencies in themselves.


Next

Psychopathology Revision Notes

normality and abnormality in psychology

As such, instilling fear was believed to be the best way to restore a disordered mind to reason. We have had nervous illness for centuries. The social norms that guide people are not always normal for everyone. For example, a person who has the obsessive-compulsive disorder of hand-washing may find that the behavior makes him cheerful, happy and better able to cope with his day. Many rare behaviors or characteristics e. Once you have performed the appropriate behavior, the PFC reduces in activation and you stop washing your hands and go about your day. Because Latin Americans have a high rate of religiosity, and because there is less stigma associated with religion than with psychiatric services, Religion See also: Diagnostic guidelines of the 2000s, namely the DSM and to some extent the ICD, have been criticized as having a fundamentally Euro-American outlook.

Next

Abnormality

normality and abnormality in psychology

Those who possess considerably less than this are abnormals and those who possess considerably more are superior. In the case of phobias, fears involves tension and tension is incompatible with relaxation. Students examine the underlying assumptions inherent in various personality models and learn how the tenets of these models are investigated through empirical research. Scores falling within one Social Norms Normality is conformity to the accepted or most common behavior within a group or even a subgroup. They may be unable to perform the behaviors necessary for day-to-day living e. Personal Social Services Research Unit.

Next

Exam Question Bank: Paper 2: Abnormal Psychology

normality and abnormality in psychology

Behavior that was once seen as abnormal may, given time, become acceptable and vice versa. For example, being independent may not be valued in collectivist cultures, where value is placed on group activity. Students learn to identify and consider cultural and systemic variables in psychological theory, research and practice. For example, wearing a woollen suit as such is not an abnormal behaviour, but wearing a woollen suit in the hot summer months in India is considered an abnormal behaviour. That mood disorders are common and largely treatable makes them more acceptable; to suffer them is painful but not strange. The American Journal of Psychiatry.

Next

DP Psychology: Defining abnormal behaviour

normality and abnormality in psychology

These include personal distress e. The two most often used grounds for involuntary admission are said to be serious likelihood of immediate or imminent danger to self or others, and the need for treatment. Watson and Rayner 1920 used classical conditioning to create a phobia in an infant called The behaviorist approach adopts a limited in the origins of a phobia, as it overlooks the role of cognition. One year later, the life events of participants over the previous 12 months were assessed, and also whether they were suffering from depression. This is likely to result in different diagnoses in different cultures. Personality Adjustment: According to Meyer 1948 , adjustment to the environment is taken as the measuring rod of the difference between normality and abnormality.

Next

History of Mental Illness

normality and abnormality in psychology

Treatment - Systematic Desensitisation AO1 First, the patient is taught a deep muscle relaxation technique and breathing exercises. Studies of the prevalence of personality disorders PDs have been fewer and smaller-scale, but one broad Norwegian survey found a five-year prevalence of almost 1 in 7 13. Evidence for this is that the concordance rates are not 100%, which shows that OCD is due to an interaction of genetic and other factors. Now they have no choice but confront their fears and when the panic subsides and they find they have come to no harm. The success in adjustment being the most important criterion of normality, amount of adjustment depends upon the environment.

Next