Abnormal
PEOPLE HAVE ABNORMAL BEHAVIOUR - ANXIETY DISORDERS?
What do we mean by “abnormal” behaviour? By what criteria do we distinguish it from “normal” behaviour? There is no general agreement, but most attempts to describe abnormality are based on one or more of the following definitions.
Firstly, is deviation from statistical norms. This definition of abnormality is based on statistical frequency: abnormal behaviour is statistically infrequent or deviant from the norm. But according to this definition, the person who is extremely intelligent or extremely happy would be classified as abnormal. Hence, other definitions should also be considered.
Besides, is deviation from social norms. Every society has certain standards or norms, for acceptable behaviour; behaviour that deviates markedly from these norms is considered abnormal. However, as different society has different social norms and it may change over time, it is not very safe to only consider this point.
Maladaptiveness of behaviour is one of the definitions too. Behaviour is abnormal when it is maladaptive, if it has adverse effects on the individual or on the society. Finally, is personal distress. This criterion considers abnormality in terms of the individual’s subjective feelings of distress rather than the individual’s behaviour. Sometimes personal distress may be the only symptom of abnormality; the individual’s behaviour may appear normal to the casual observer.
None of these definitions provides a completely satisfactory description on abnormal behaviour. In most instances, all four criteria are considered in diagnosing abnormality.
PEOPLE HAVE ABNORMAL BEHAVIOUR - ANXIETY DISORDERS?
What do we mean by “abnormal” behaviour? By what criteria do we distinguish it from “normal” behaviour? There is no general agreement, but most attempts to describe abnormality are based on one or more of the following definitions.
Firstly, is deviation from statistical norms. This definition of abnormality is based...
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