If we look at word Normal it is derived from Latin word ‘Norma’ meaning Rule. It means following or confirming to social norms or standards. “Normal means abiding by conduct and explicit or implicit norms of the society”

1. Concept of Normality
Dr Rajesh Verma
Assistant Professor in Psychology
Govt. College Adampur, Hisar (Haryana)

2. Meaning-cum-Definition
If we look at word
Normal it is derived from
Latin word ‘Norma’
meaning Rule. It means
following or confirming
to social norms or
standards. “Normal
means abiding by
conduct and explicit or
implicit norms of the
society”

3. Introduction
The concept of normality is subjective phenomena.
The individuals who behaves, functions and live her/his life
adequately, more or less satisfied about self and do not face
any difficulty in doing her/his daily activities necessary for
living are considered as normal. Normal people are known
to have balanced emotional
behaviour, aware of their
identity and what is expected
from them. According to
Coleman (1981) normality
represents the optimal
development and functioning
of the individual consistent
with the long term well being
and functioning of the group.

4. Normality from Psychological Perspective
In psychology, behaviour and public expression of
emotions that do not violates the psychological
functioning is called normal behaviour. Psychological
indicators of normality are: -
(i) Stable behaviour,
(ii) Situation specific emotional
expression,
(iii) Appropriate response,
(iv) Coping skills,
(v) Cognitive functional fitness,
(vi) Unhindered daily activities,
(vii) Better self adjustment,
(viii) Stable personality pattern, and
(ix) Average intelligence.

5. Normality from the Social Perspective
Normal behaviour is one that do not violates the
society’s ideas. For example in most of the societies
crying by men in public is not considered as
appropriate but still it is not considered as
psychological abnormal. The concept of normality is the
function of social acceptance. Social indicators of
normality: -

6. Social indicators of normality: -
(i) Socially confirming behaviour.
(ii) Statistically most frequently occurring
phenomenon in society are considered as normal.
(iii) Scores well on social adjustment domain.
(iv) Social adaptability.
(v) Normality
is average
behaviour.

7. Some Yardsticks of Assessing Normality
Large number of Psychologists agrees upon the
following 4 yardsticks for assessing the normality. The
individual who do not exhibit these 4 D’s is expected to be
normal: -
(i) Deviance – (different, extreme, unusual),
(ii) Distress – (unpleasant and upsetting),
(iii) Dysfunction – (interfering with the person’s ability to
conduct daily activities), and
(iv) Danger –
(behaviour that
jeopardizes the
safety of others)

8. Apart from these four D’s following parameters
are also considered for assessing the normality: -
(i) Observing the behaviour in context of the
environment
(ii) Effect of behaviour on others
(iii) Expression of common
pattern of behaviour
(iv) Self management

9. Characteristics of Normality
1. Normality is assessed in the light of several
interrelated factors.
2. Normal behaviour is seen as productive and most
commonly occurring.
3. Manifestation of composed and responsible behaviour.
4. Expression of ideal mental health and wellbeing.
5. Culture and its norms are the defining paradigms of
normality.
6. Normality is a
subjective phenomenon.
7. It’s characterization
among intra-culture
remains stable while
varies among
inter-culture.

10. References:
1. Coleman, J. C. (1981). Abnormal psychology and modern life.
2. Essays, UK. (November 2018). Concepts of Normal and Abnormal
Behaviour. Retrieved from
https://www.ukessays.com/essays/psychology/concepts-of-normal-and-
abnormal-behaviour.php?vref=1
3. https://www.psychologydiscussion.net/difference-between/difference-
between-normal-and-abnormal-behaviour/475

11. vermasujit@yahoo.com
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