Psychology

What are some behaviors that may be considered “abnormal” by the definition provided in lecture, but do not constitute a psychological disorder? Why would they not be considered indicative of a psychological disorder?

source from the lecture provided here >
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ANSWER

Abnormal Behavior verses Psychological Disorder

Abnormal Behaviours

Certain behaviour patterns can simply be defined as an abnormal behaviour while others are considered as psychological disorders. As such, this paper identifies examples of abnormal behaviours while providing a justification why such behaviours are considered abnormal and not psychological disorders.

Certain behaviours considered unusual or abnormal may not necessarily be considered as psychological disorders. Such behaviours includes certain religious, cultural and sexual practices. For instance, the tendency for people to violet the social standards of the society is an abnormal behaviour. Such behaviours contravening the sociocultural as well as religious rules of a community therefore portray an undesired behavior indicative of abnormal behaviour pattern other than psychological disorder (McLeod, 2018). Other common example of an abnormal behaviour is an intense fear that certain people have towards a spider. These behaviours do not act as a clear indication of any psychological disorder on the sufferer since such behaviours are mild.

Considering other aspects like whether a behavior is maladaptive that is, the extent to which it causes stress and pain also justifies whether the unusual behavior is abnormal or a psychological disorder. For example, unless a behaviour negatively impact on the life of those portraying it, they are not considered as clear indictor of psychological disorder. On this basis, an intense fear of a spider would not be considered a a psychological disorder unless it has a direct negative impact on the those suffering from such fear. Any disruptive behavior can therefore be considered as abnormal but do not necessarily attract any psychological disorder on the sufferer. Considering other aspects related to a disruptive behaviour like stress, pain, and other negative impacts that comes with an unusual behaviour would be necessary in defining an abnormal behaviour as a psychological disorder.

References

1. McLeod (2018). Abnormal Psychology. Retrieved from: https://www.simplypsychology.org/abnormal-psychology.html