Concept of Normality and Abnormality

Concept of Normality and Abnormality

Concept of normality and abnormality is discussed in psychopathology. Psychopathology is the branch of psychology that deals with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of problems ranging from everyday crisis of life, such as grief due to death of loved one to more extreme conditions or loss of.

Behavior is abnormal when it contributes to maladaptiveness in an individual.

Now we studied abnormality under different criteria,

i)             Deviation from average is Abnormality:

According to statistic definition deviation from average is abnormality. In order to determine psychology, we simply observe what behavior are or infrequent in a given society or culture and label rare deviations from the norm as abnormal. This definition is insufficient because of the difficulty.

ii)            Deviation from the standard

Behavior is abnormal if it is deviate a sufficient degree from some kind of ideal or standard. Unfortunately, this definition suffers more difficulties. Because, since society has few standards about which people agree. Moreover, the standards that do arise tend to change over time.

iii)           Personal distress

If individual is feeling great distress and torment, his behavior is considered abnormal. It creates anxiety or guilt in an individual, or it is harmful for others in some ways.

iv)          Inability to function effectively

People who are unable to function effectively and adapt to the demands of society are considered abnormal.

v)            Unexpectedness

Distress and disability are considered abnormal when they are unexpected responses to environmental stressors. For example an anxiety disorder is diagnosed when anxiety is unexpected to the situation.

Common Characteristics of Mentally Healthy Person

• ·         Adaptable and resilient mind
• ·         Conscious control of life
• ·         Cheerful and Optimistic outlook
• ·         Well regulated instincts and habits
• ·         Emotionally balance
• ·         Insight on to one’s own conduct
• ·         Enthusiastic and reasonable
• ·         Normal Sex-consciousness
• ·         Freedom from prejudice
• ·         Calm
• ·         Good tempered
• ·         Defined philosophy of life
• ·         Satisfied with occupation
• ·         Realistic Imagination
• So concept of normal and abnormal behavior is defined.