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.

1. Normality &
Abnormality
Semester I
MA Psychology

2. Abnormal Normal Abnormal
Occurrences
/
No.
Of
Observations
/
Frequency
Variable / Phenomenon / Value
Median
2/3 Variables

3. Normality
Carpenter’s
Square
normalis
Normal

4. Normality
Of Sound Mind
Average
Usual
Typical
Regular
Routine
Ordinary
Unremarkable
Standard
Conventional
Expected
Natural
Conforms to General
Pattern

5. Normality
Normal
Time Place
Age
Culture Subject
Society

6. Normality
Relative
Non-
Uncontroversial
Normal Abnormal

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

9. Abnormality
English
Abnormal
Latin
Anamelos
English
Not Regular
Latin
Ana Melos
A behaviour that is
not regular can be
called abnormal.
A behaviour that is
different & away from
normal is abnormal.

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)

11. Abnormality
Classification
Deviation from Statistical Norms
Deviation from Social Norms
Maladaptive Behaviour
Personal Distress / Mental Disorder

12. Abnormality
Deviation from Statistical Norms
It can relate to Value, Shape, Size, Weight, Height, IQ

13. Abnormality
Deviation from Social Norms
Violation of behaviour considered appropriate and proper by
most

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

20. Girish D. Kishnani