ABNORMALITY
By Shukan Shah
Abnormality (or dysfunctional behavior) is a behavioral pattern that is regarded as rare or dysfunctional. Behavior is considered to be abnormal when it deviates from normal, out of one’s expectations and results in inability of the person to function properly. Abnormality factors usually affect societal, cultural and ethical expectations of an individual which are broadly dependent on age, gender, traditional and societal classes. Abnormal behavior should not be compared to unusual behavior. Unusual behavior is not necessarily indicative of a mental or psychological disorder whereas, Abnormal behavior, is often an indicator of a possible mental disorder. A psychological disorder is defined as an “ongoing dysfunctional pattern of thought, emotion, and behavior that causes major distress, and is considered deviant in that person’s culture or society”. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, is used by both researchers and clinicians in diagnosing a potential mental disorder. According to DSM-5, the criteria required to be met varies for each mental disorder. Unlike physical abnormalities in one’s health whose symptoms are objective, psychology health professionals cannot use objective symptoms when evaluating someone for abnormalities in behavior.
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There are several conventional criteria but the 5 major ones are:
- Statistical Criteria
- Social Criteria
- Personal Discomfort or Distress
- Maladaptive Behavior
- Deviation from Ideal
Some of the other criteria are subjective, such as:
- Maladaptive and Malfunctional behavior- Behavior due to certain circumstances, are not fully adapted to the environment or situation which makes them harmful towards other individuals.
- Behavior that violates the standards of society- When people do not follow the conventional social and moral rules of their society, the behavior is considered to be abnormal.
- Observer discomfort- when an individual’s behavior makes someone else uncomfortable in a public setting is considered abnormal behavior.
One of the common approaches to review the characteristics of abnormality is a Multi-Criteria approach, where all behavior patterns and criteria of abnormality are taken into consideration and used to determine whether an individual’s behavior is abnormal. For example,
- The individual is engaging in behavior that is preventing them from functioning normally.
- The individual is engaging in behavior that breaks a social norm or rule.
- The individual is engaging in behavior that is statistically infrequent for a prolonged time frame.
A perfect example of an abnormal behavior assessed by this approach is depression which is commonly seen as a deviation from ideal mental stability, it often stops the individual from normal functioning of life, and, though it is a relatively common mental disorder, it is still statistically infrequent. Most people do not experience significant depressive disorders in their lifetime. Thus, depression and its associated behaviors would be considered abnormal.
As a part of Internship at @KRSHWelfareFoundation
