Psychological Definitions of Abnormal Behavior Essay Example for Free

Psychological Definitions of Abnormal manner Es avowAccording to the science of psychology superstars behavior needs to follow a certain criteria in company to be deemed normal. If singles behavior does not defend the criteria, their behavior is seen as undesirable and wrong (requires change). For this physiologists need to be able to view a individuals behavior and be able to tell the difference between normal and subnormal. Whilst defining the normalcy of ones behavior physiologists need to be careful to remain objective and as free of any diverge as possible, furthermore their experiment to determine ones behavior needs to be repeatable and reliable. In order to do this psychologists often consults the characteristics of example mental health proposed by Marie Jahoda in 1958. Marie Jahoda proposed 6 different characteristics for ideal mental health after surveying different doctors and psychologists this is the list she came up with* Positive self applaud and a stro ng sense of identity* Personal growth and development* Ability to cope with nerve-wracking situations (integration)* Autonomy and independence* Accurate perception of reality* Successful mastery of the environment, particularly relationships.Jahoda argued that if one does not meet these criteria then ones behavior weed be deemed abnormal as a result of an lively conundrum. This in my opinion provides a strong applicable foundation for the determination of ones normality of behavior. However the problem with Jahodas ideal mental health scheme is the fact that the results obtained rely solely on the perceivers judgment, therefore move overing a inevitable bias not to mention the fact that no mortal can truly ever meet all of the suggested criteria. This mean that according to Jahoda every person is abnormal. other way to look for abnormal behavior for psychologists is to find deviation form the social norm (majority). This is through by observing ones actions in public and seein g how normal it is. For example if you see someone sop up on a bikini/swim trunks whilst walking around a supermarket, his or her behavior would be deemed as abnormal. The limitations of observing behavior in this manor lay in the fact that different cultures pay back different norms. Not to mention the fact that in any given culture norms evolve. What may have once been acceptable in the 80s is not necessarily acceptable today.Abnormality of ones behavior can also be monitored by looking at its statistical frequency. pith how vulgar ones behavior is when compared to the rest of the public. If ones behavior is shared by many it is deemed common and therefore normal, however if ones behavior is uncommon or rare, it is deemed abnormal. For example one may say that an individual who has an IQ below or above the average level of IQ in ordination is abnormal. The problem with this system is the fact that, it does not account for the desirability of the given behavior. In other spe ech this system claims that both low and high IQs are an abnormality that need to be treated.Physiologists and others interested in normality, look over at ones behavior to see how well they can function. If one is unable to function adequately they are deemed abnormal. In order to determine how well one functions, psychologists consult Rosenhan and Seligmans list of characteristics that define abnormality (1989). Rosenhan and Seligman argued that in order to classify someone as inadequate in life they must meet several of the characteristics as a pose to besides one. This is their list* Suffering* Maladaptiveness (danger to self)* Vividness unconventionality (stands out)* Unpredictably loss of control* Irrationality/incomprehensibility* Causes observer discomfort* Violates object lesson/social standardsThe possible limitation to Rosenhan and Seligmans list of characteristics is the fact that normal people engage in activates which are potentially harmful like drinking or smokin g, these people are not classed as abnormal. It is very difficult to classify behavior as to date no scheme to do so exists, which is perfect. Physiologists must tread carefully when labeling one with a disorder. Bias will always be present in one form or another, however the results can be deemed reliable if practicing psychologists consult fourfold schemes in order to have a better chance of an accurate diagnosis.Bibliography* Class handout abnormal? Mrs campion.* DefiningAbnormality. AS Psychology /. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Oct. 2012. http//as-psychology.pbworks.com/w/page/9174252/DefiningAbnormality. * Abnormal Psychology. Abnormal Psychology. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Oct. 2012. http//www.simplypsychology.org/abnormal-psychology.html.