Question

What are the criteria of abnormal behaviour? Explain with examples.

Answer 1

Abnormal behaviour is some behaviour that deviates markedly from what is considered as appropriate or acceptable behaviour. It is some behaviour that is socially unacceptable, distressing, self-defeating and causes some harm to the person(s).

The criteria for abnormality are as follows -

1. Deviance - This includes statistical deviance e.g., IQ below 70 will be considered as intellectually deficient as the average normal IQ is above 70. It also includes socio-cultural deviance. However, cultural relativity must be considered for e.g., being homeless is considered vagrancy in some cultures (abnormal behaviours) while among nomadic tribes e.g., Gypsies it is considered normal.
2. Personal distress - It refers to the subjective feelings of the person in response to discomforting situations e.g., anxiety, depression, aggression, insomnia. Such individuals may perform daily activities adequately and appear normal to others but are miserable sometimes.
3. Impaired functioning - The person is unable to adequately fulfill expected roles in the family, community, at work, etc., for e.g., severe depression or phobias.

No single criteria is sufficient to explain abnormal behaviour. If only statistical deviance is considered then even very superior intelligence (IQ 130 and above) will have to be considered as abnormal as it is not found in the majority of people. However, those who deviate from legal/social norms can be considered as showing abnormal behaviour. It causes discomfort to the person i.e., restlessness, lack of concentration, social withdrawal, etc. This behaviour interferes with personal and social welfare and is highly maladjusted.