This document discusses the definitions of normal and abnormal behavior in psychology. It notes that to assess and treat abnormal behavior, clear definitions are needed. Abnormal behavior is defined as deviating from the norm. However, defining normal human functioning is difficult since there is no agreed upon model. The document outlines two views on what defines abnormal - deviation from social norms, and maladaptive behavior that interferes with optimal functioning. It concludes by thanking the reader for their attention.

1. Abnormal Psychology
 Prepared by:
 Orlando A. Pistan, MAEd
 Psychology Instructor

2. Which is Normal, Abnormal?

3. Which is Normal, Abnormal?

4. Which is Normal, Abnormal?

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

9. Physical Illness/Disability

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

11. Psychological Level

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

17. Abnormal Psychology
 Thank you for
paying attention.