Abnormality is a subjectively defined characteristic, assigned to those with rare or dysfunctional conditions. Defining who is normal or abnormal is a contentious issue in abnormal psychology.
There are several conventional criteria.
One simple criterion is statistical infrequency. This has an obvious flaw — the extremely intelligent, honest, or happy are just as abnormal as their opposites. Therefore, abnormal behaviour is considered to be statistically rare as well as undesirable.
A more discerning criterion is distress. A person who is displaying a great deal of depression, anxiety, unhappiness, etc. is defined to be abnormal. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of their own mental state, and while they may benefit from help, they feel no compulsion to receive it.
Another criterion is morality. This presents many difficulties, because it would be impossible to agree on a single set of morals for the purposes of diagnosis.
One criterion commonly referenced is maladaptivity. If a person is behaving in ways counterproductive to their own well-being, it is considered maladaptive. While tighter than the above criteria, it does have some shortcomings. For example, moral behavior including dissent and abstinence may be considered maladaptive.
Abnormal behaviour violates the standards of society. When people do not follow the conventional social and moral rules of their society, the behaviour is considered abnormal. However, the magnitude of the violation and how commonly it is violated by others must be taken into consideration.
Another element of abnormality is that abnormal behaviour will cause social discomfort to those who witness such behaviour.
The standard criteria in psychology and psychiatry is that of mental illness. Determination of abnormality is based upon medical diagnosis. This is often criticized for removing control from the 'patient', and being easily manipulated by political or social goals.
2006-10-05 02:56:38
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answer #1
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answered by Lisa 3
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There is in fact no way to define abnormality. Its like trying to define normal. Its impossible because your idea of what is normal might be different from my idea of what is normal. Its down to personal opinion and experience. This is the same for abnormality. For example, you might find it abnormal that I like to wear a red hat to bed every night (I don't by the way) but to me that's normal because I do it every night. So its tricky to define.
2006-10-05 04:25:10
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answer #2
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answered by ? 6
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Anything that goes against the social, physical, and emotional norms of society. For example if a person has lepers then the physical abnormality will force them to ostracized from the group. A person with bulima might be kicked out of her house because of her mental state.
2006-10-05 03:05:19
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answer #3
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answered by danicolegirl 5
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There are no longer any abnormalities. this is the undeniable situation. All you may get from first hand materials (without modifying to "enhance colours"), shows all unusual and not so unusual phenomena you may anticipate while being on the Moon. It has additionally no longer something to do with believes. a minimum of for me, i comprehend that it got here approximately precisely like the background is written, because of the fact as (ongoing) area flight professional, i comprehend which adjustments area has to Earth. in case you learn spaceflight tremendously much 30 years after the moon landings, there is in easy terms little techniques-blowing left. and don't blame your instructor. I doubt your instructor gave you an task, you may no longer fulfill . in case you desire to place in writing for the hoax, in basic terms use Youtube and enter "Moon Hoax" you will locate sufficient crap, that's many times in line with telling people, that they do no longer seem to be seeing some thing ordinary, like shadows in diverse guidelines from in easy terms one gentle source, yet some thing that would desire to no longer exist actual. maximum moon hoax movies artwork that way. by potential of lack of understanding.
2016-10-01 23:18:46
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answer #4
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answered by banowski 4
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Abnormality/ Normal what is the difference depends on which side of the fence you are on.
2006-10-05 06:31:01
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answer #5
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answered by momof3 7
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I agree with Lisa in everything except her last paragraph. The word 'criteria' is plural. Its singular is 'criterion'. However, it is abnormal, these days to be grammatically correct. So, I am abnormal, Lisa, isn't.
2006-10-05 03:01:50
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answer #6
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answered by ? 2
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I prefer to think that we are all placed on a long straight line in life with some at one end and some at the other end. I do not use the word 'normal' it just puts people in boxes.
2006-10-05 03:05:03
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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when you have three legs, that is abnormality. the definition: things that are not normal
2006-10-05 03:42:38
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answer #8
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answered by happy_bonny 1
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Anything society deems an "outcast" or not the norm. Christians, one-legged man, and the like are prime examples.
2006-10-05 02:57:11
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answer #9
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answered by icyhott4urmind 1
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Look in the mirror. LOL
Only joking. Its would be anything that does not fit into the category of normal
2006-10-05 02:59:15
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answer #10
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answered by poli_b2001 5
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