This document discusses different definitions and perspectives on atypical behavior. It begins by defining atypical behavior as a condition or behavior that departs from societal norms and can be distressing. It then examines different approaches to defining atypical behavior, including statistical infrequency compared to population averages, cultural relativism where norms vary between groups, and deviation from social norms or inability to function adequately. The document also discusses how what is considered atypical may be judged differently or change over time and cultures. It raises questions about labeling behaviors as mental illness and whether atypical always means a disease. In the end, it discusses defining normal mental health and seeing atypical as any deviation from those positive characteristics.

1. ATYPICAL BEHAVIOUR

3. What behaviours are „atypical‟?
 List as many examples of behaviour as you
can think of which are “atypical” or “abnormal”
and “normal”
 What level of agreement is there in the class
about these?

4. Atypical Behaviour
 A psychological condition or
behaviour that departs from the
norm or is harmful and distressing
for the individual or those around
them.
 These types of behaviours usually
violate what society feels is
appropriate.
 Defining what is atypical is a
judgement. How did we deal with „abnormal‟
behaviour in the past?

5. Definition 1:Statistical
Infrequency
 Statistics can be used to find out the norm of a
society. You can use these statistics to categorise
people into frequent/normal/typical or atypical.
 How Atypical are you?

6. Normal Distribution
 When measuring most
aspects of human behaviour
you would get a normal
distribution – bell shaped
curve.
 Most people („the normals‟)
would be in the middle (the
mean) , fewer people (the
„atypicals‟) would be at either
extreme.

7. Cultural Relativism
 What is deemed to be „atypical‟ in our society
may be considered normal in others (and vice
versa!). This can also change over time.
 Even within a society these norms can be
different - Subcultural Theory.
 Can you think of any behaviours that are
culturally specific?

8. Definition 2: Deviation from social
norms
 Atypical behaviour is defined here by behaviour
which is not statistically deviant but socially
deviant.
 These behaviours go against our social norms –
they are considered to be anti-social or
undesirable.
 It considers a behaviour as atypical if the
majority considers it unacceptable or
undesirable. In this way it appears to overcome
the „desirability‟ criticism of the statistical
infrequency approach. result in labelling people as mentally
Often can
ill if they don't go along with the prevailing
 This allows us to understand whysystem
political atypical

9. Thomas Szasz (1960)
 "If you talk to God, you are praying; If God
talks to you, you have schizophrenia. If the
dead talk to you, you are a spiritualist; If you
talk to the dead, you are a schizophrenic.“
 While people behave and think in ways that
are very disturbing, this does not mean they
actually have a disease.

10. DEFINITON 3: FAILURE TO
FUNCTION ADEQUATELY
 A person is considered abnormal if they are
unable to cope with the demands of everyday life.
 They may be unable to perform the behaviours
necessary for day-to-day living e.g. self-care, hold
down a job, interact with others, make themselves
understood etc.
 Rosenhan and Seligman (1989) 7 features
associated with atypical behaviour. Individually
they may not be enough to cause a problem but
when several are present then they are
symptomatic of abnormality.
 Suffering (personal distress), Maladaptiveness
(destructive behaviour), Unconventional
behaviour, Unpredictability, Irrationality, Observer
discomfort and Violation of moral and ideal
standards.

11. DEFINITION 4: DEVIATION FROM
IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH
 Rather than defining what is abnormal, we define what
is normal and anything that deviates from this is
regarded as abnormal.
 Psychologists vary, but usual characteristics include:
1. Positive view of self
2. Personal growth and development
3. Autonomy/Self-actualisation (able to act
independently, make own decisions and find
satisfaction within themselves)
4. Accurate view of reality
5. Positive relationships
6. Environmental mastery (effectively meeting the
demands of situations and being flexible to adapt to
change)