Sometimes we ask ourselves,Am I normal? I usually double-check whether Ive closed and locked the door or not, which seems like I may have the so-called Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Im also considered arrogant by Asian standards as I always speak my mind, thus some people consider me narcissistic. From time to time, I wonder whether Im normal. Whats normal enough? The question is: by whose standards are you normal or abnormal ?
Depending on the society we live in, a behavior can be considered either normal or abnormal. In Japanese culture, honor is taken seriously, thus any incident that hurts ones pride is worthy of self-killing or suicide. In the United States, however, the first thought that comes to mind whenever someone kills himself is: clinical depression. Thus, culture determines whether ones behavior or suspected psychological pathology is abnormal or not. Milder and somewhat accepted bizarre behaviors,
for instance, may be called eccentric instead of abnormal. An artist who paints with his own saliva, for instance, may be considered eccentric instead of abnormal. In general, the four common features of an abnormality are: deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger. Deviance.Any deviation from accepted norms in a society (or a culture) is considered abnormal. For instance, in western countries, talking to ones self is
enough to raise a red flag. However, in eastern countries where mysticism is considered an important part of life, talking to ones self or appearing to have a different personality may be considered the residence of a spirit in the body of a medium. In psychological term, interestingly, the person is experiencing dissociative personality disorder. But in certain cultures, he might be considered a successful shaman. Distress.Acting unusually doesnt automatically make one
abnormal. For instance, a solo world traveler rides his bike to 100 countries worldwide. We may think its abnormal but as long as it doesnt give distress to the individual and others around him, it is simply eccentric instead of abnormal. When interviewed, the solo bike rider may even feel proud of his achievement as the first person who travels the world on a bicycle. Dysfunction.Another test of abnormality is whether a behavior causes a dysfunction in everyday
activities. Grieving may take a while to pass, but a clinical depression doesnt seem to pass and the person is likely to withdraw from everyday activities and to stop communication with family members and friends at some point. Danger.Whenever an individual poses a risk of danger to herself or others, then its most likely that she is abnormal. However, this variable doesnt occur in every case of abnormality, as many psychological pathologies dont result in suicide or
homicide. Though its an exception instead of a rule, any threat to kill or harm ones self or others is definitely a vivid red flag. By understanding what constitutes an abnormal behavior, we should be able to observe ourselves and others in light of living the Good Life. Reference: Comer, Ronald J.Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology.New York, NY: Worth Publishers. Abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with psychopathology and abnormal behavior, often in a clinical context. The term covers a broad range of disorders, from depression to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to personality disorders. Counselors, clinical psychologists, and psychotherapists often work directly in this field. The term "abnormal" is the subject of considerable debate. What exactly is "normal" and who gets to decide? The social norms that are often used to determine what is normal versus abnormal can shift over time, so settling on a standard definition isn't simple or straightforward. This article discusses what abnormal psychology is and the different topics studied by this area of psychology. It also covers how abnormality is defined and some of the criticisms of abnormal psychology. What Is Abnormal Psychology?Abnormal psychology focuses on the patterns of emotion, thought, and behavior that can be signs of a mental health condition. Rather than the distinction between normal and abnormal, psychologists in this field focus on the level of distress that behaviors, thoughts, or emotions might cause. If a behavior is creating problems in a person's life or is disruptive to other people, then this would be an "abnormal" behavior. In such cases, the behavior may require some type of mental health intervention. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. Defining AbnormalityThere are different ways of defining abnormality, but the following characteristics are usually included:
RecapAbnormal psychology doesn't just address behaviors that are considered statistically infrequent. Instead, it focuses on behaviors that create distress, make it difficult to function, and that may be socially disruptive. Perspectives on Abnormal PsychologyThere are a number of different perspectives used in abnormal psychology. While some psychologists or psychiatrists may focus on a single viewpoint, many mental health professionals use elements from multiple areas in order to better understand and treat psychological disorders. Psychoanalytic ApproachThis perspective has its roots in the theories of Sigmund Freud. The psychoanalytic approach suggests that many abnormal behaviors stem from unconscious thoughts, desires, and memories. While these feelings are outside of awareness, they are still believed to influence conscious actions. Therapists who take this approach believe that by analyzing their memories, behaviors, thoughts, and even dreams, people can uncover and deal with some of the feelings that have been leading to maladaptive behaviors and distress. Behavioral ApproachThis approach to abnormal psychology focuses on observable behaviors. In behavioral therapy, the focus is on reinforcing positive behaviors and not reinforcing maladaptive behaviors. The behavioral approach targets only the behavior itself, not the underlying causes. When dealing with abnormal behavior, a behavioral therapist might utilize strategies such as classical conditioning and operant conditioning to help eliminate unwanted behaviors and teach new behaviors. Medical ApproachThis approach to abnormal psychology focuses on the biological causes of mental illness, emphasizing understanding the underlying cause of disorders, which might include genetic inheritance, related physical illnesses, infections, and chemical imbalances. Medical treatments are often pharmacological in nature, although medication is often used in conjunction with some type of psychotherapy. Cognitive ApproachThe cognitive approach to abnormal psychology focuses on how internal thoughts, perceptions, and reasoning contribute to psychological disorders. Cognitive treatments typically focus on helping the individual change their thoughts or reactions. Cognitive therapy might also be used in conjunction with behavioral methods in a technique known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). RecapPsychologists often look at abnormal behaviors through a number of different perspectives including the psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, and medical approaches. Such perspectives can influence how a condition is treated, but therapists also often draw on techniques from multiple approaches. Topics in Abnormal PsychologyThe main topics in abnormal psychology are the study, understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychological disorders. Psychological disorders are defined as patterns of behavioral or psychological symptoms that impact multiple areas of life. These conditions create distress for the person experiencing symptoms. Mental health professionals use the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), for a variety of purposes. The manual contains a listing of psychiatric disorders, diagnostic codes, information on the prevalence of each disorder, and diagnostic criteria. Some of the categories of psychological disorders include:
Criticisms of Abnormal PsychologyThe field of abnormal psychology is not without criticism. In addition to debates over the use of the term "abnormal" itself, some believe that this area has a number of shortcomings. In particular, some feel that this area stigmatizes vulnerable and oppressed people. Critics also suggest that the field of abnormal psychology tends to pathologize normal variations in human
behavior. Some also propose that the medical approach to mental illness often focuses only on biological and genetic determinants of distress rather than taking a more holistic view. It also does not account for the fact that there are major cultural differences in what is deemed normal and abnormal. Research has also found that learning more about abnormal psychology appears to do little to combat stigma regarding mental illness. One study found that teaching students about abnormal psychology did not reduce mental health stigma, improve attitudes toward mental illness, or increase help-seeking behaviors among students. A Word From VerywellAbnormal psychology may focus on atypical behavior, but its focus is not to ensure that all people fit into a narrow definition of "normal." In most cases, it is centered on identifying and treating problems that may be causing distress or impairment in some aspect of an individual's life. By better understanding what is "abnormal," researchers and therapists can come up with new ways to help people live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Frequently Asked Questions
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
 By Kendra Cherry
Thanks for your feedback! What is meant by the definition of abnormality as a sense of personal discomfort quizlet?Abnormality as a sense of personal discomfort. A more useful definition concentrates on the psychological consequences of the behavior for the individual. Behavior is considered abnormal if it produces a sense of personal distress, anxiety, or guilt in an individual or if it is harmful to others in some way.
Which of the following best captures the definition of abnormality as a sense of personal discomfort?Which of the following best captures the definition of abnormality as a sense of personal discomfort? Behavior is abnormal when it deviates from a statistical norm in a particular culture.
What does it mean when abnormality is defined as the inability to function effectively?what does it mean when abnormality is defined as the inability to function effectively. Behavior is abnormal when an individual is unable to adjust to the demands of society, such as getting a job or getting along with others. 5.
What are the 4 definitions of abnormality?WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. Definitions of Abnormality: Statistical Infrequency, Deviation from Social Norms, Failure to Function Adequately, Deviation from Ideal Mental Health.
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What is meant by the definition of abnormality as a sense of personal discomfort?
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