Drawing the Line: Normal and Abnormal Behavior Essay

The term deviate is be as deviating from the norm (Spoor, 1999). The definition however is problematic in that it addresses other factors. For instance, one needs to take aim what the norm is and who labeled it as such. Norms are also dynamic a norm today whitethorn no longer be one in the future. The fact that norms are also culture particularized (Syque, 2007) leads one to consider that ab nitrogen is largely relative. Delineating between normal and abnormal behavior is thus more than complicated in that a medical implication is often involved. Several criteria have been proposed to account for such. For instance, the get-go criteria accounts for the behaviors deviation from cultural norms. Cultures impose upon its members certain norms and the deviation from such often results to being labeled as abnormal. Men who wore earrings forty years ago were thus considered abnormal. Second, abnormal behavior deviates from the statistical norm (Smith, Nolen Hoeksema, Fredrickson, Lo ftus, 2003). Most people tend to fall within the mean of certain traits.An individual with an IQ of 40 falls on the extreme end and is therefore considered abnormal. Third, abnormal behavior is maladaptive that is, it has noisome effects on the individual and society. A woman who fears crowds and avoids taking the bus to work even if she has to is an example. Lastly, abnormal behavior causes personal distress (Smith, et al, 2003). An individual who harbors self defeating belilefs about himself is deemed abnormal. Abnormal behavior is rarely diagnosed in effect using just one from the aforementioned criteria. For a subject that calls to draw the line between normality and abnormality one needs to be cautious in that people are inevitably affect and involved.ReferencesSmith, E., Nolen Hoeksema, S., Fredrickson, B. & Loftus, G. (2003). Atkinson & Hilgards Introduction to Psychology, 14th Edition. Singapore Thomson Learning Asia.Spoor, Katrina. (1999). What is abnormal? A Beginners talent scout to Abnormal Psychology Site. Retrieved December 12, 2007 from http//www.purgatory.net/merits/abnormal.htmSyque. (2007). Elements of Culture. ChangingMinds.org Site. Retrieved December 12, 2007 from http//changingminds.org/explanations/culture/elements_of_culture.htm