Defining 'Normal' vs 'Abnormal' Behaviour (HL IB Psychology)

What is 'Normal' Behaviour?

Is it possible to define ‘normal’ behaviour?

• ‘Normal’ behaviour could be defined as any behaviour which falls within accepted social norms e.g. washing regularly; walking on the pavement; speaking in grammatical, coherent sentences

• ‘Normal’ behaviour could be said to obey behavioural conventions as laid down by specific societies and cultures

• ‘Normal’ behaviour in one society or culture may not be considered normal by another society or culture e.g. marrying someone of the same sex is considered normal in some cultures and countries but not in others; belief in demonic possession may be considered normal in some countries or cultures but not in others

• When ‘normal’ behaviour is adhered to it tends to go unnoticed and not draw attention to itself

• Normality is subjective and may operate at an idiosyncratic level e.g. one person may eat boiled cabbage for breakfast and cornflakes for dinner every day which may be viewed as abnormal by others but for the individual concerned this diet represents their own version of ‘normal’

Cabbage for breakfast: normal, abnormal or just quirky?

What is 'Abnormal' Behaviour?

Is it possible to define ‘abnormal’ behaviour?

• ‘Abnormal’ behaviour could be defined as any behaviour which falls outside of accepted social norms e.g. not washing regularly; walking down the middle of the road rather than on the pavement; speaking in ungrammatical, incoherent sentences

• ‘Abnormal’ behaviour could be said to flout, disregard or disobey behavioural conventions as laid down by specific societies and cultures

• ‘Abnormal’ behaviour may be viewed with alarm, distress or fear by those observing it

• ‘Abnormal’ behaviour tends to be noticeable; it draws attention to itself and will probably stand out distinctly from agreed social and cultural norms

• ‘Abnormal’ behaviour may result in unpleasant, negative consequences for the individual displaying it e.g. avoidance or abuse from others; being sectioned against their will; finding themselves in situations which are a danger to their physical and emotional health

Changing Definitions of Abnormality

How have attitudes towards ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ behaviour changed over time?

• Some behaviours which today (in most Westernised or industrialised societies) are viewed as normal were once labelled ‘abnormal’ e.g. homosexuality

• Perceptions of normality have changed over the centuries as societies have become increasingly sophisticated and tolerant of a range of behaviours and lifestyle choices which in previous decades or centuries may have resulted in social condemnation or even criminal charges

• Behaviours which have previously been viewed (both officially and unofficially) as ‘abnormal’ include epilepsy; homosexuality; living in poverty; being pregnant and unmarried

• Some cultures may still view specific behaviours such as homsexuality as ‘abnormal’ thus normality and abnormality cannot be said to be universal variables

Which studies investigate normality vs abnormality?

• Jahoda (1958): set out criteria for identifying mentally healthy people

• Mojtabai (2011): bereavement-related depression should not be considered ‘abnormal’ as it is part of the grieving process i.e. a normal response to bereavement 

Both Jahoda (1958) and Mojtabai (2011) are available as Two Key Studies of Normality vs Abnormality – just navigate the Factors Influencing Diagnosis section of this topic to find them.