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Approaches to Normality

Approaches to Normality. What is normal?. Normality v Abnormality. Normal is … Often defined as a pattern of thoughts, feelings or behaviour that conforms to a usual, typical or expected standard depending on the approach Abnormal …

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Approaches to Normality

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  1. Approaches to Normality What is normal?

  2. Normality v Abnormality • Normal is … Often defined as a pattern of thoughts, feelings or behaviour that conforms to a usual, typical or expected standard depending on the approach • Abnormal … May be defined as a pattern of thoughts, feelings or behaviour that is deviant (inappropriate), distressing (upsetting) and dysfunctional (affect one’s ability to perform daily activities effectively)

  3. Socio-cultural • Behaviour that is accepted in a particular society or culture, but not in others • E.g having more than one wife in some countries may be seen a ‘socially acceptable’ (normal), where as in some countries it is seen a ‘socially unacceptable’ (abnormal)

  4. Historical Approach • -Behaviour that is accepted, however it depends on the period of time • Behaviour that was once considered normal but no longer is

  5. Situational Approach Is it normal for a person to have painted green skin?

  6. What if it was part of a musical?

  7. Emphasises the need to examine the situational context of a behaviour before defining it • Behaviour that is accepted in a particular situation

  8. Medical Approach • Abnormal behaviour has a biological cause and can be diagnosed and treated e.g the flu

  9. Functional Approach • Normal behaviour is if the individual can function effectively in society (without causing harm to one’s self or others) • Ability to function by carrying out day to day activities such as eating, sleeping, able to hold a job and maintain friendships. • People who are so upset, confused or distracted that they cannot care for themselves properly or work productively, are considered abnormal

  10. Statistical Approach • behaviour/characteristics of a large group are placed into a normal distribution. Majority of people are called “statistically average” • statistical measurement, in which statistical abnormalities define abnormality • Normality is how most people think, feel and behave and abnormality is how few people think, feel and behave.

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