Abnormal behaviour

Question 1

Criteria for abnormal behaviour

Answer 1

-Deviation from statistical norms
 Deviation from social norms
 Maladaptiveness of behaviour
 Personal distress

Question 2

Statistical norms

Answer 2

-abnormal behavior would be any that is statistically deviant.
 Most people fall within the middle range of e.g. height,
weight, intelligence.
 all extremes are considered abnormal
 it fails to recognize the desirability of the particular behaviour

Question 3

Social norms

Answer 3

 every culture has certain standards for acceptable behaviour
 behaviour that deviates from that standard is considered to be
abnormal behaviour
 It is not the prevalence of the behavior that makes it (ab)normal,
but the perception of it by others.
Problem: Standards can change with time and can vary from one
society to another.

Question 4

Personal distress

Answer 4

 considers abnormality in terms of the individual’s subjective
feelings, personal distress, rather than his behavior.
 if a person feels uncomfortable in situations where others do
not, then that person may be maladjusted.

Question 5

Definition of a mental disorder

Answer 5

Any behaviour or emotional
state that causes an individual great suffering or worry, is self
defeating, or self-destructive, or is maladaptive and disrupts
the person’s relationships or the larger community.