Concept of normality and abnormality Psychology is generally viewed as the single most valuable and reliable source of knowledge about human behavior. This question is much harder to answer than you might at first assume, because in fact there is no hard-and-fast dividing line between behavior that is normal and behavior that is abnormal; rather, these are simply end points on an unbroken dimension. Normality- Normality is the state of being “normal”, as opposed to being deviant, eccentric or usual. Behavior can be normal for an individual. When it is consistent with most common behavior for that person. Normal is also used to describe individual behavior that confirms to the most common behavior in society. Abnormality- Abnormality refers …show more content…
One of these approaches, the biological model, emphasizes the role of the nervous system in mental disorders. This approach seeks to understand disorders in terms of malfunctioning of portions of the brain, imbalance in various neurotransmitters and genetic factors. It is clear, however, that biological factors are not the entire story where mental abnormalities are concerned. Often, such disorders occur any apparent underlying biological cause. This suggests that psychological factors, too, can be important. The psychological perspective emphasizes the role of basic psychological processes in the occurrence of mental abnormality. For instance, many psychologists believe that learning plays a key role in many disorders. The psychological perspective also emphasizes the role of cognitive factors in mental abnormality. For instance, many theories of depression suggest that long – lasting negative feelings often stem from faulty patterns of thoughts. For example, individuals may attribute positive events and accomplishments to luck and other factors beyond their control, but negative outcomes to internal factors. There is another way of sococultural factors psychologists recognize that sociocultural factors relating to the environments in which people live, including racial prejudice and cultural values often play an important role
What is meant by ‘statistical infrequency’ as a definition of abnormality? [2 marks] Gavin describes his daily life. ‘I sometimes get gripped with the thought that my family is in danger. In particular, I worry about them being trapped in a house fire. I now find that I can only calm myself if I check that every plug socket is switched off so an electrical fire couldn’t start.
After reading chapters one and two of the Psychology in Everyday Life book and learning about the four big ideas in psychology, and also while trying to figure out the contributing factors of Andrea Yates’ murder of her children. I have to focus in on and think about big idea two, the biopsychosocial approach, that integrates three levels which are biological, psychological and social/cultural; all together these factors influence and give insight into behavior and mental processes. (CITE BOOK) After reviewing these, the psychological factors that I believe to have contributed to Andrea Yates’ murder of her children are, firstly biological, Andrea had a genetic predispositions, which means Andrea had an increased likelihood of developing
To make a society like this work the only way is to make everyone the same, therefore, not one person is “normal” in this
We must look like this or act like this in order to be normal. But what really is the definition of being a normal person? Well there isn’t any exact definition. We create a list of aspects
Reflection on the article, “The Virtues of Ballpark Normalcy” by Lisa Blumberg Lisa Blumberg defines ballpark normalcy as “ life that is not quite normal-but is ‘in the ballpark.” My question is what is normal? Every person young or old has strengths and weaknesses; this is true to anyone, whether they have a disability or not. The word ballpark in this context refers to a range.
One area we experience Normalcy Bias in society is when our life is in danger. For example, if you are at a school and you hear gunshots in the hallway, you instinctively think to get down and protect yourself. But why? This is because normalcy bias is taking control. We as humans have been prepared to take information in and try to relate it to something very positive and cover up what really is going on to something less severe.
Cultural factors are sets of beliefs, values, and guidelines for individuals’ behaviors. These beliefs are often shared and discussed by a certain group of people. These groups of people may be influenced by culture, ethnicity, race, religion, economics, and an individual’s routines. In other words, it is safe to say that not all cultural groups will share the same views on specific beliefs, values, and/or guidelines. For instance, there are many cultural beliefs held in America, which may have affected Jeanette’s development into an independent and intelligent woman.
Firstly, a norm is defined as rules that regulate social life, including explicit laws and implicit cultural standards. This relates to the particular experiment because the whole point was to break one of these norms and see the ripple effect it had on the people around me. Another term is attitude, which is defined as a relatively stable opinion containing beliefs and emotional feelings about a topic. This has to do with the experiment because My mother, who had the biggest reaction when I broke the norm, and I have different attitudes when it comes to proper etiquette and it is something that is apparent in our behaviors when out and my mother’s role in trying to make me conform to being proper when in public. Going off of that, conformity is defined as the tendency people have to act and think like members of the group.
Biological Explanations of Depression The biological explanations of depression refers to two factors one being neurotransmitter dysfunction and the other being inherited genes. The biological approach towards the neurotransmitter would explain how depression is associated with low levels of serotonin within the brain which would affect the functioning of the brain. This is associated with maladaptive behavior e.g. anger, mood disorder and anxiety. In terms of inherited genes the biological approach
In society today, normalcy is average; some are above, and some are below. In this short story, that is removed.
What does it mean to be “normal” What happens to those who fall outside of the normative standards? Barbara Perry borrows elements of Audrey Lorde’s conception of “the mythical norm” to receive a thorough understanding on why individuals who fall outside of the norm often feel oppressed. The mythical norm can be viewed as an ideology. It is a characteristic of society that maintains power, and creates oppression for others. Due to the power that the mythical norm contains, it also delivers a series of privileges that many whites may not realize that they have.
Conformity is defined as a change in behavior or belief as the result of real or imagined group pressure. People usually fall into conformity in times of trying to fit in with the crowd and seeking social acceptance from others. However, there are times when it is okay to not conform. If one does not agree with society’s standard for normal attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs and believe that the norm is wrong, then they may choose to not conform in order to stand out and fight for what they believe in. For example, if conforming goes against the individual’s religion, culture, personal interests and beliefs, or what an authority figure says, such as their parents or guardian, then they may resist the pressure to conform.
When placed in certain situations, the human body instinctual adapts and copes in order to survive. The ways it does this are through structure in life and level of nurture you were given as a child. The lifestyle you may live everyday can be considered a taboo in a completely different society. So who is to decide what is considered normal? I believe that the role of society and the genetic layout that is given to you from your birth parents are deciding factors as to what makes you human.
Psychology is the scientific study of how human think, how they feel about issues and their behaviour in this research we will learn the meaning of perspectives in Psychology, dwelling on the biological and behavioural approach, I will discuss the difference and commonalities between the two perspectives. WHAT’S PERSEPCTIVE IN PSYCHOLOGY In contemporary psychology perspective simply implies an approach that involves some assumptions about how people behave, how they function and the best way to define this seeming behaviours. There is no one way to approach this perspectives, one is not above the other, though for a long while the behavioural approach was holding the ace being assumed to be the only scientific one.
(Latterell 9). Everyone has a different view of what is normal. No one can clearly define what normal is, but people still expect others to act normal by their own standards. Today, people are pressured by society to conform to expensive trends when