How can we define ‘abnormal behavior'? Discuss and evaluate how views on abnormal behavior have changed over time

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

4 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

10/05/2009

Category :

Social studies

Sub category :

Psychology

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Summary :

Introduction
Progressing views of abnormal behavior
1. The concept of 'abnormal behavior'
2. The somatogenic model of abnormality
3. The second theoretical branch of the bio-medical model
Defining abnormality
Conclusion
References

Abstract

Throughout the history of man, there have always been individuals behaving against the current by acting or believing in so-called strange and outlandish ways. Some may view this as eccentricity or down right bizarre. Others may perceive this as signs of illness or distress and characterize the individual as mad or insane. This behavior in lay terms could be understood as abnormal. however, this term is rather superficial as one begins to examine what really makes someone abnormal in relation to what is considered normal or acceptable. This paper examines the varying ways in which abnormal behavior may be approached and perceived by tracing the history of major psychological theories and paradigms. Finally abnormality is considered in its relation to the idea of normality. It is concluded here that no coverall definition is available to account for the rationale behind what constitutes as abnormal behavior. Instead it is believed that abnormality is a misleading notion based on natural human tendencies of categorization and comparison.