This document provides information about normality and abnormality in psychology. It defines normality as behaviors, traits, and mental well-being that conform to social and cultural standards. Abnormality is defined as behaviors or experiences that deviate from these standards in a way that causes personal distress or dysfunction. The document lists characteristics of normality, such as adequate self-evaluation and ability to learn from experiences. It also lists characteristics of abnormality, such as deviance from social norms, maladaptive behaviors, and traits like excessive defensiveness and lack of insight. The document compares normal and abnormal traits.
7. Normality
State of complete Physical, Mental &
Social wellbeing.
Patterns of behaviour or personality traits that are
typical or that confirms to some standard or proper
& acceptable ways of behaving and being.
8. Normality Characteristics
Maslow & Mittleman 1951.
Adequate feeling of
Security
Adequate
Emotionally
Adequate Self-
Evaluation
Adequate Desire &
Ability
Adequate Self-
Knowledge
Efficient contact
with Reality
Integration &
Consistency
Realistic Life Goals
Ability to Learn from
Past Experiences
Ability to be a part
of Group
10. Abnormality
Human behaviour & experiences which are strange, unusual, or
different ordinarily are considered abnormal.
- G W Kisker (1949)
Abnormality is a behaviour, that is not socially confirmed &
developed by a sad or stressful condition & distorted cognition.
- Reiger (1998)
Abnormal psychological phenomenon are simply exaggeration or
disguised development of the normal psychological phenomenon.
- J F Brown (1940)
14. Abnormality
Maladaptive Behaviour
Adoption of inappropriate behaviour to adapt to internal or
external environmental changes to maintain state of
Homeostasis (relative consistency)
15. Abnormality
Personal Distress / Mental Disorder
If the behaviour of an individual is effecting their mental well-
being
Even the best need a break
16. Abnormality
Criterion of 4Ds
- Comer (1995)
No Universal criterion, but many psychologists believe this can
help assess abnormality in person
Deviance
Distress
Dysfunction
Danger
17. Abnormality Characteristics
Maslow & Mittleman 1951.
Different
Symptoms
Suffers from
Unhappiness
Low Efficiency
Excessive
Defensiveness
Poor Adjustment
Lack of Insightful
Behaviour
Sensitivity & Tension
Less Enjoyment
18. Abnormality
Other Characteristics
Lack of Self
Evaluation
Inadequate
Emotional Control
Lack of Attachment
to Reality
Lack of Satisfaction
Lack of Realistic
Goals
Lack of Self Knowledge
Disorganised Personality
(ID, Ego, Superego)
Inability to learn from
experiences
Anti Social Behaviour
(Uneasy in Groups)
19. Normal V/s Abnormal
Usual Unusual
Acceptable Unacceptable
Reality Paranoia
Self Aware Doubtful
Insightful Troubled
Satisfied Struggled
Ordinary Extra Ordinary
Straight Disorganised
Social Anti Social Loner