Dr. Frederick Neuman In An Article For Psychology Today

Dr. Frederick Neuman, in an article for Psychology Today , states

In an article for Psychology Today, Dr. Frederick Neuman emphasizes the importance of understanding what constitutes normal or appropriate behavior when assessing human needs and actions. He notes that comparing and contrasting behaviors provides a criterion used by professionals to determine which terms better describe an individual’s actions. However, a challenge arises due to the significant variation among individuals, as typical human development allows for considerable individual differences. This variation complicates establishing universal standards of normalcy, as what is accepted or expected in one culture may be viewed as odd or unconventional in another.

Neuman’s perspective highlights cultural relativity in defining behavior. For example, an individual raised within a particular subculture, such as a religious community with customs like wearing long dresses or homeschooling, may be considered unusual by mainstream society. When others encounter such differences, they may react with curiosity or disdain. Similarly, what is normal within one ethnic or cultural group—such as wearing an afro hairstyle—may be perceived differently outside that context, possibly leading to social oppression or discrimination.

This diversity across cultural and societal boundaries underscores the notion that behavior deemed abnormal in one environment might be perfectly acceptable or even celebrated in another. Consequently, societal reactions to individual differences can sometimes be unjust, leading to marginalization or prejudice.

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The concept of abnormality in psychology is complex and multifaceted, deeply intertwined with cultural, social, and individual factors. Understanding what constitutes normal or abnormal behavior requires a nuanced appreciation of this complexity. The criteria used to assess abnormality often include deviations from typical development, maladaptiveness, and societal disapproval, but these are not universally fixed standards. Instead, they are shaped by cultural norms and personal circumstances, making the definition context-dependent.

From a psychological perspective, abnormality is often characterized by behaviors that cause significant distress or impairment to the individual or those around them. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) provides standardized criteria for mental health diagnoses, which include considerations of functionality, duration, and the presence of distress. However, even these criteria are subject to cultural interpretation and societal values. For example, certain behaviors considered symptomatic of mental illness in one culture may be regarded as normal spiritual or cultural expressions in another (Kirmayer, 2012).

Cultural relativity plays a crucial role in the perception of what is abnormal. Cultures differ in their acceptance of behaviors related to emotional expression, social roles, and even physical expressions such as dress and appearance. For instance, in some societies, expressive emotional displays are encouraged, whereas in others, stoicism is valued. Such cultural norms influence whether a behavior is viewed as a disturbance or simply a variation of normal conduct (Marsella, 2014).

Moreover, societal reactions to individuals who deviate from norms can lead to stigmatization and discrimination, further complicating classification. For example, individuals with mental health conditions like schizophrenia may face social exclusion due to their symptoms or behaviors, which are interpreted as abnormal by societal standards. The stigma associated with mental illness often hinders diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of cultural competence in mental health care.

Understanding the diversity of human behavior also involves recognizing individual differences that do not necessarily indicate pathology. Variations in personality, temperament, or preferences are part of human diversity and do not automatically imply abnormality. For example, a person’s unusual hairstyle or fashion choice, while different from societal norms, may simply reflect personal identity rather than a mental health issue.

In clinical practice, assessing abnormality involves careful consideration of cultural context, individual history, and environmental factors. Clinicians are encouraged to adopt a culturally sensitive approach to diagnosis and treatment, acknowledging that behaviors must be understood within their specific cultural frame (Sue & Sue, 2016). This prevents misdiagnosis and ensures that individuals are not unfairly labeled as abnormal simply because their behaviors differ from mainstream expectations.

In conclusion, defining abnormality remains a nuanced endeavor that must balance universal principles with cultural specificity. Society’s perceptions are shaped by cultural norms, personal experiences, and societal attitudes, which influence how behaviors are judged. Recognizing this diversity fosters greater empathy and more effective mental health interventions, ultimately promoting a more inclusive understanding of human behavior.

References

• Kirmayer, L. J. (2012). Cultural competence and evidence-based practice in mental health: Unpacking culture’s role in mental health diagnosis and treatment. Transcultural Psychiatry, 49(3-4), 454-471.
• Marsella, A. J. (2014). Toward a culturally informed approach to mental health and counseling. Journal of Counseling & Development, 92(4), 410-418.
• Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (7th ed.). Wiley.
• Kozlowski, L. T. (2013). The cultural context of abnormal behavior. In V. S. Ramachandran (Ed.), The new psychology of health: Mental health and human diversity (pp. 45-67). Springer.
• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Neuman, F. (2013). Caring for the emotionally disturbed at home. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com
• Zastrow, C., et al. (2019). Understanding human behavior and the social environment. Cengage Learning.
• Helm, B. W. (2014). Cultural influences on mental health. International Journal of Culture and Mental Health, 7(3), 305-317.
• Lewis-Fernández, R., & Aggarwal, N. K. (2017). Cultural psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 16(3), 278-285.
• Kirmayer, L. J., & Banerjee, D. (2013). Rethinking cultural competence in mental health. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 74(4), 217-220.