5. What is Abnormal?
In order to asses, treat and eventually
prevent abnormal behavior, scientists
must come up with a clear definition of
“Normal” and ”Abnormal” and develop
criteria to distinguish one from the
other in actual clinical cases.
6. What is Abnormal?
literally means “away from the
normal”.
It implies deviation from some
clearly defined norm.
7. What is Normal?
Conforming to a standard; usual,
typical, or expected.
8. Physical Illness/Disability
The norm is the
structural and
functional integrity of
the body
The boundary lines
between normality
and pathology are
usually clear
10. Psychological Level
No “ideal model” or
even “normal model” of
human functioning to
use as a basis for
comparison
Confusion and
disagreement as to
what is or is not normal,
aggravated by our
changing values
12. 2 Conflicting views between
Normal and Abnormal
Abnormal as Deviation from
Social Norm
Abnormal as Maladaptive
13. Abnormal as Deviation from
Social Norm
Formulated by Ullman and Krasner
Maintained that abnormal is simply a label given
to behavior that is deviant from social
expectations
Also maintained that behavior cannot be
considered abnormal so long as society accepts it
14. Abnormal as Deviation from
Social Norm
Assumptions:
1) Social acceptance makes behavior normal.
2) One’s set of values is as good as another for human
beings to adopt.
The task of the psychotherapist is to ensure that clients
conforms to the norms their society views as appropriate,
regardless of the values on which these norms are based.
15. Abnormal as Maladaptive
Maintains that the best criterion for determining the
normality of behavior is- whether it fosters the well-
being of the individual and ultimately, of the group
Well-being means not simply maintenance or
survival but also growth and fulfillment
Criterion : Even conforming behavior is abnormal if it
is maladaptive, that is, if it interferes with optimal
functioning and growth
16. Abnormal as Maladaptive
Assumptions:
1) Survival and actualization are worth
striving for or both individual and group
levels
2) Human behavior can be evaluated in
terms of its consequence for these
objectives