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Difference Between Normality and Abnormality Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior, and it is concerned with understanding the nature of normal and abnormal behavior. Normality and abnormality are two concepts that are commonly used in psychology to describe human behavior, and they have different meanings and implications.
What is Normality?
Normality refers to behavior that is typical or expected within a given population. It is the state of being within the range of what is considered usual or standard. Normal behavior is characterized by being adaptive, functional, and socially acceptable. It is behavior that allows individuals to function effectively within their environment and to meet the demands of their everyday life.
What is Abnormality?
Abnormality, on the other hand, refers to behavior that deviates from what is considered normal or expected within a given population. It is behavior that is atypical, dysfunctional, and socially unacceptable. Abnormal behavior is characterized by causing distress to the individual or others, impairing the individual's ability to function effectively within their environment, and interfering with the individual's ability to meet the demands of their everyday life.
Differences: Normality and Abnormality
There are several ways of defining normal and abnormal behavior in psychology. One approach is to define normal behavior as behavior that is statistically common within a given population. This approach is based on the assumption that most people behave in a certain way, and behavior that deviates from this norm is considered abnormal. However, this approach has limitations as it does not take into account cultural differences and the fact that what is considered normal in one culture may be considered abnormal in another.
Another approach is to define normal behavior as behavior that is adaptive and functional. This approach is based on the assumption that normal behavior is behavior that allows individuals to meet the demands of their environment and to function effectively within their social context. Abnormal behavior, in contrast, is behavior that impairs an individual's ability to function effectively within their environment and to meet the demands of their everyday life.
A third approach is to define abnormal behavior as behavior that causes distress to the individual or others. This approach emphasizes the subjective experience of distress and recognizes that behavior that is considered abnormal may vary from one individual to another, depending on their personal experiences and cultural background.
In addition to these approaches, there are also several models of abnormal behavior that attempt to explain the causes of abnormal behavior. These models include the medical model, the psychodynamic model, the cognitive-behavioral model, and the humanistic-existential model.
The medical model views abnormal behavior as a result of physical or biological dysfunction in the brain or body. This model emphasizes the role of genetics, brain chemistry, and other physiological factors in the development of abnormal behavior.
The psychodynamic model views abnormal behavior as a result of unconscious conflicts and repressed emotions. This model emphasizes the role of early childhood experiences and the unconscious mind in the development of abnormal behavior.
The cognitive-behavioral model views abnormal behavior as a result of faulty thinking patterns and maladaptive behaviors. This model emphasizes the role of cognitive processes and behavior in the development of abnormal behavior.
The humanistic-existential model views abnormal behavior as a result of a lack of meaning and purpose in life. This model emphasizes the role of personal growth and self-actualization in the development of abnormal behavior.
The following table highlights the major differences between Normality and Abnormality Psychology −
Characteristics |
Normality |
Abnormality |
|---|---|---|
Statistics |
In any given behavior or trait, normality is being average or close to average. Scores falling within one standard deviation above or below the mean, the most average 68.3% of the population, is considered normal. Normality may extend up to two standard deviations away above or below the average for a total of 95.7% of the population. |
Abnormality is the statistical rarity, falling in between two and three standard deviations away above or below the average, which is 4.3% of the population. |
Social Norms |
Normality is conformity to the accepted or most common behavior within a group or even a subgroup. This includes following situational or contextual norms as well as reacting appropriately to situations and events. |
Abnormality is deviance or violation of those norms. |
Daily Functioning |
Normality is being able to cope with and having appropriate coping mechanisms with the stresses of everyday life, being able to work, to interact with other people and to establish and maintain relationships. |
Abnormality, on the other hand is being dysfunctional in these areas; being overly susceptible or inappropriate coping to stress, being unable to be productive, to interact or to form relationships as well as moving from one relationship to another too often or having relationships that are too short. |
Mental Health |
Normality usually allows for a healthy state of mind for an acceptably lengthy period of time. |
A disorganized personality and unstable emotions as well as prolonged mental or emotional distress are considered abnormal. |
Adaptation/Adjustment |
Normality is being able to adapt or adjust to changes in life or in the environment. |
Abnormalities are those that prevent an individual from coping with these changes or behavior that result to maladaptation and maladjustment. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, normality and abnormality are two important concepts in psychology that are used to describe human behavior. Normal behavior is characterized by being adaptive, functional, and socially acceptable, while abnormal behavior is characterized by being atypical, dysfunctional, and socially unacceptable.
There are several approaches to defining normal and abnormal behavior, and several models of abnormal behavior that attempt to explain the causes of abnormal behavior. Understanding the nature of normal and abnormal behavior is important for identifying and treating mental health disorders and for promoting psychological well-being.
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