Psychological Definitions of Abnormal Behavior Essay

According to the science of psychology angiotensin converting enzymes demeanor postulate to follow a certain criteria in inn to be deemed rule. If superstars behavior does not match the criteria, their behavior is seen as undesirable and wrong (requires change). For this physiologists need to be able to view a persons behavior and be able to tell the disagreement between frequent and affected. Whilst defining the normality of ones behavior physiologists need to be c beful to remain objective and as free of any curve as possible, furthermore their experiment to localise ones behavior needs to be repeatable and reliable. In order to do this psychologists often consults the characteristics of ideal psychogenic health pro moldd by Marie Jahoda in 1958. Marie Jahoda proposed 6 different characteristics for ideal psychic health after surveying different doctors and psychologists this is the list she came up with* cocksure self esteem and a strong sense of identity* individua lised growth and development* Ability to cope with stressful situations (integration)* Autonomy and independency* Accurate perception of reality* Successful mastery of the environment, particularly relationships.Jahoda argued that if one does not meet these criteria then ones behavior flush toilet be deemed abnormal as a result of an existing line. 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 circumstance that the results obtained rely solely on the observers judgment, therefore presenting a requisite bias not to mention the fact that no person can truly ever meet all of the suggested criteria. This mean that according to Jahoda both person is abnormal.Another way to determine for abnormal behavior for psychologists is to welcome deviation form the social norm (majority). This is done by observant ones actions in public and seeing how normal it is. For example if you see somebody wearing a bikini/swim trunks whilst walking around a supermarket, his or her behavior would be deemed as abnormal. The confinements of observing behavior in this manor lay in the fact that different cultures chip in different norms. Not to mention the fact that in any tending(p) culture norms evolve. What whitethorn 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. Meaning how common 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, provided 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 ordinary level of IQ in society is abnormal. The problem with this system is the fact that, it does not account for the desirability of the given behavior. In other addres s 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 mustiness meet several of the characteristics as a pose to only one. This is their list* Suffering* Maladaptiveness (danger to self)* Vividness & unconventionality (stands out)* Unpredictably & loss of jibe* Irrationality/incomprehensibility* Causes observer discomfort* Violates moral/social standardsThe possible limitation to Rosenhan and Seligmans list of characteristics is the fact that normal commonwealth engage in activates which are potentially harmful like drinking or smoking , 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 evermore be present in one form or another, however the results can be deemed reliable if practicing psychologists consult multiple schemes in order to have a better chance of an accurate diagnosis.Bibliography* Class outlet abnormal? Mrs campion.* DefiningAbnormality. AS Psychology /. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Oct. 2012. . * Abnormal Psychology. Abnormal Psychology. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Oct. 2012. .