Drawing the Line: Normal and Abnormal Behavior Essay

The term abnormal is defined as deviating from the norm (Spoor, 1999). The definition however is problematic in that it addresses separate factors. For instance, one needs to consider what the norm is and who labeled it as such. Norms atomic number 18 excessively dynamic a norm today may no longer be one in the future. The fact that norms are also culture specific (Syque, 2007) leads one to consider that abnormality is largely relative. Delineating amid normal and abnormal behavior is thus more complicated in that a medical implication is often involved. Several criteria have been proposed to nib for such. For instance, the first criteria accounts for the behaviors deviation from cultural norms. Cultures impose upon its members authentic norms and the deviation from such often results to being labeled as abnormal. hands who wore earrings forty years ago were thus considered abnormal. Second, abnormal behavior deviates from the statistical norm (Smith, Nolen Hoeksema, Fredric kson, Loftus, 2003). Most people tend to fall within the implicate of certain traits.An individual with an IQ of 40 falls on the positive end and is therefore considered abnormal. Third, abnormal behavior is maladaptive that is, it has detrimental effectuate on the individual and society. A woman who fears crowds and avoids taking the bus to run away even if she has to is an example. Lastly, abnormal behavior causes personal distress (Smith, et al, 2003). An individual who harbors self defeating belilefs about himself is deemed abnormal. Abnormal behavior is rarely diagnosed effectively using tho one from the aforementioned criteria. For a subject that calls to draw the line in the midst of normality and abnormality one needs to be cautious in that people are inevitably affected and involved.ReferencesSmith, E., Nolen Hoeksema, S., Fredrickson, B. & Loftus, G. (2003). Atkinson & Hilgards Introduction to Psychology, fourteenth Edition. Singapore Thomson Learning Asia.Spoor, Katrina. (1999). What is abnormal? A Beginners show to Abnormal Psychology Site. Retrieved December 12, 2007 from http//www.purgatory.net/merits/abnormal.htmSyque. (2007). Elements of Culture. ChangingMinds.org Site. Retrieved December 12, 2007 from http//changingminds.org/explanations/culture/elements_of_culture.htm