The document discusses six theories of normality: sociocultural, functional, historical, situational, medical, and statistical. The sociocultural theory defines normal behavior as what is socially acceptable within a culture. The historical theory views normality as changing over time. The situational theory emphasizes examining behaviors in context rather than in isolation. The medical theory sees abnormal behaviors as caused by underlying physical illness. The functional theory defines normality as the ability to function in society without harming oneself or others. Finally, the statistical theory defines abnormality as behaviors that few people exhibit based on averages.

2. Theories of Normality What is normal?

4. Categories the following behaviours as either normal or abnormal... homosexuality Crying at a funeral Having 10 children heterosexuality Not talking to Libby... ever Hearing or seeing that aren’t there Having an abnormally high IQ Wearing a bikini in winter Cannibalism Nervousness before an exam Feeling tired all the time Phobia of spiders Urinating in public Sleeping all day Tapping on every 3rd pane in a fence when walking Phobia of rabbits Smoking cigarettes Eating 2 pizzas, a pie and a big packet of nacho cheese doritos Use of leeches in medicine Enjoying coming to Psych class with Miss Sun

5. Theories of Normality We are going to be looking at SIX theories of normality: Sociocultural Functional Historical Situational Medical Statistical You should be able to describe and distinguish between each of these theories AND be able to discuss their advantages and disadvantages.

6. The Sociocultural Theory of Normality Normal behaviour is that which is socially acceptable Drinking coffee Washing regularly Social non-conformity refers to behaviours which disobey social norms Too many piercing Stealing Dancing in the street Advantages All cultures share view that normality is the ability to communicate with others and behave in predictable fashion Useful in gaining a broad understanding of the laws and social norms for appropriate behavior within a specific society Limitations Adherence to social norms is no guarantee of mental health (e.g OCD) Social non-conformity does not mean that a person in mentally unhealthy Not all cultures have the same view of acceptable behaviour (e.g. Bowing in Japan)

7. The Historical Approach Behaviour that was once considered normal but no longer is Running in the Olympics nude... Advantages What is normal changes over time E.g. Acceptance of women in the work force Limitations Not all cultures share views at any given time Limited use in describing current normal and abnormal individual behavior.

8. Is this a ‘normal’ thing to wear?

9. What if it was part of a musical??

10. The Situational Approach Emphasises the need to examine the situational context of a behaviour before defining it Advantages Behaviours which when isolated are abnormal, become normal provides us with a framework for how to behave so that we will be accepted by others Limitations Can’t generalise about what is normal or abnormal from one situation to another Doesn’t take into account the sociocultural or functional view of normality

11. Medical Approach Abnormal behaviour caused by underlying organic (physical) illness Assumes that mental illness can be ‘cured’ Advantages Allows professionals to diagnose and treat/cure illnesses more objective, unbiased interpretation of behavior Limitations Are all mental illnesses physical in nature? Ramifications of labeling difficult to identify the exact physiological cause of the abnormal patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving as the symptoms of some mental illnesses are similar E.g. Homosexuality was considered a mental illness

12. The Functional Approach the ability to function properly in society without causing harm to one’s self or others Ability to function by carrying out day to day activities such as eating, sleeping, able to hold a job and maintain friendships People who are so upset, confused or distracted that they cannot care for themselves properly or work productively, are considered abnormal Advantages Allows us to ‘classify’ normality by providing a framework Limitations What ‘functioning’ is exactly is debatable

13. Statistical Approach This is a statistical measurement, in which statistical abnormalities define abnormality Normality is how most people think, feel and behave and abnormality is how few people think, feel and behave. Advantages Averages’ provide us with a comparison for our own development and ability Limitations No person is average in thought, feelings, mental abilities, interests, size, shape fine line where normality end and abnormality starts Normality does not equate to desirability

14. Insanity Legal term Inability to manage one’s affairs or foresee the consequences of one’s actions

15. Psychopathology Scientific study of mental, emotional and behavioural disorders Drug addictions Compulsive gambling Loss of contact with reality Any behaviour which interferes with personal growth and fulfillment