Defining Normal And Abnormal At This Stage In Your Study

Defining Normal And Abnormalat This Stage In Your Study Of Human Psych

At this stage in your study of human psychology, you might be wondering, “I can often recognize what I consider to be abnormal behavior, so why is it so difficult to define?” As you found in this week’s assigned reading, some of the issues involved in distinguishing abnormal from normal behavior are complex and fraught with controversy. Additionally, the definition of abnormal behavior can change with time. To prepare: Review the definitions of abnormal and abnormality in Chapter 1 of your text. Analyze how the definitions align, overlap, or differ. Reflect on how these statements or others might have changed your ideas of what constitutes abnormal behavior.

With these thoughts in mind: Post by Day 3 a comparison of normal and abnormal behavior, drawing from your original definition of abnormal behavior and from the definitions put forth in the Learning Resources. Include any challenges you might see in using these definitions to guide the assessment of your clients. Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references from the Learning Resources.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the distinction between normal and abnormal behavior is fundamental in the field of psychology, yet accurately defining these concepts remains a complex endeavor due to their subjective and evolving nature. Over the years, various definitions have been proposed, each highlighting different aspects and criteria for what constitutes normal or abnormal behavior. This essay compares these definitions, explores their overlaps and divergences, and discusses the challenges inherent in applying them within clinical assessments.

Defining Normal Behavior

Normal behavior is generally characterized by actions, thoughts, or feelings that conform to societal norms and expectations, enabling individuals to function effectively within their cultural context. According to the American Psychological Association (APA, 2013), normal behavior promotes the individual’s well-being and adaptation, allowing them to perform daily activities with resilience and flexibility. It also varies across cultures, emphasizing the importance of contextual understanding in defining normalcy (Sue & Sue, 2013). For example, what is considered polite or acceptable in one society may differ markedly in another, highlighting the cultural relativity of normal behavior.

Defining Abnormal Behavior

Conversely, abnormal behavior is often described as behavior that is maladaptive, distressing, or deviant from societal norms (Corey, 2017). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, APA, 2013) focuses on behaviors that cause significant impairment or distress to the individual or others. However, this definition raises questions about what constitutes sufficient impairment or distress to qualify as abnormal, as these thresholds can be subjective and influenced by cultural and personal factors. Furthermore, abnormal behaviors may sometimes be adaptive responses to environmental stresses, complicating their classification (Comer, 2018).

Overlap and Divergence of Definitions

The overlap between normal and abnormal behavior exists primarily in their reliance on societal standards and individual functioning. Both definitions acknowledge that context and cultural expectations influence perceptions. However, they diverge in emphasis; normal behavior emphasizes conformity and adaptability, while abnormal behavior highlights dysfunction and distress. For instance, a behavior might be considered normal in one cultural setting but abnormal in another, such as hearing voices in a spiritual context (Ellis & Shockley, 2014). Similarly, a behavior causing personal distress but not impairing functioning might still be viewed as abnormal, challenging the clarity of these definitions.

Reflections and Challenges in Application

In applying these definitions to client assessments, several challenges arise. First, cultural variability complicates the classification of behaviors; clinicians must consider cultural norms to avoid mislabeling culturally appropriate behaviors as abnormal (Bhui et al., 2016). Second, the subjective nature of distress and impairment means that clinicians rely on self-report and observation, which can be biased or incomplete. Third, the changing societal norms influence what behaviors are deemed acceptable, requiring continuous reevaluation of diagnostic criteria (Sue et al., 2019). These challenges underscore the importance of a nuanced, culturally sensitive approach to both defining behavior and conducting assessments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while definitions of normal and abnormal behavior provide essential frameworks for understanding human functioning, their application is fraught with complexity. Recognizing the overlaps and distinctions helps clinicians navigate assessments more responsibly. Ultimately, integrating cultural, contextual, and individual factors into these definitions enhances the accuracy and fairness of diagnoses, supporting more effective and respectful mental health interventions.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Bhui, D., Gibson, K., Fuko, A., & Morgan, M. (2016). Cultural competence in mental health care: An ecological approach. Psychiatric Services, 67(2), 190-192.
• Corey, G. (2017). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy. Cengage Learning.
• Ellis, A., & Shockley, J. (2014). Culture and abnormal psychology: A review. Psychological Review, 121(4), 598-609.
• Miscellaneous, S. (2018). Definitions of abnormality. In J. M. Brust (Ed.), Handbook of clinical psychology. Springer.
• Sue, D., & Sue, D. (2013). . John Wiley & Sons.
• Sue, D. W., et al. (2019). Cultural competence in mental health treatment: A review of the literature. American Psychologist, 74(4), 485-495.