Psychological normal and abnormal is a term used to describe a particular behavior, set or pattern of behavior, including thoughts and feelings, as well as traits of a biological or psychological nature. Normal and Abnormal are subjective to individual perceptions and social standards which in turn depend on the situation, context, age, or gender. Perceptions of Normal and Abnormal also vary by culture. Furthermore, the meanings of these two terms differ with changing social norms, even in certain cultures.
In everyday language, even in psychology, the two are logically contradictory in meaning; Normal is a state of being normal, while abnormality is a state or condition of having abnormal behavior, including thoughts and emotions, as well as traits. However, due to the subjectivity of these two terms, abnormal behavior is not necessarily abnormal as perceived absence of abnormal behavior is not always normal. For this reason, in this article, we will discuss the differences between Normal and Abnormal psychological further and more deeply.
Definition of Normal
Normal is behavior that is consistent in the usual way of behaving of a person. It conforms to social standards and thinks and behaves similarly to the majority, and is thus generally seen as favorable in this context. Normal is also behavior that is expected and/or appropriate to the situation. It might as well just be an average, as is the case in psychological statistics. This involves the ability to adapt to the environment, manage or control emotions, be able to work satisfactorily and build satisfying or at least acceptable relationships.
Definition of Abnormal
Abnormal is impaired function or individual maladaptation to changes in life or environment. It is behavior that is unusual, odd, atypical or out of the ordinary. It is inappropriate for one’s society and culture, is exaggerated, distorted, or violates the prevailing standards of society, and is generally viewed as bad. It can be a deficiency or deficit in a certain trait, such as in limited intelligence, or simply a statistical rarity such as being above genius. It can also be a disorganization in personality or emotional instability.
In Abnormal psychology, disorder is defined as behavior that deviates from social norms, is distressing for individuals or to close relationships, is dysfunctional for daily life, or is harmful to oneself or others.
Difference between Normal and Abnormal
Here are some differences between normal and psychologically abnormal in various points of view:
Statistics: In certain behaviors or traits, Normal is moderate or close to average. Scores that fall within one standard deviation above or below the mean, which is at most 68.3% of the population, are considered normal. Normal can extend to two standard deviations well above or below the mean for the total 95.7% of the population. Meanwhile, Abnormal is a statistical rarity, being between two and three standard deviations well above or below the mean, which is 4.3% of the population.
Social norms: Normal is conformity with the accepted or most common behavior in a group or even a subgroup. This includes following situational or contextual norms and reacting appropriately to situations and events. On the other hand, Abnormal is a deviation or violation of these norms.
Daily Functions: Normal can cope and have appropriate coping mechanisms with the stresses of everyday life, able to work, interact with others and build and maintain relationships. Abnormal, on the other hand, is not functioning in this area; being too vulnerable or inappropriate to deal with stress, unable to be productive, interact or form relationships and switch from one relationship to another too often or have relationships that are too short.
Mental health: Normal usually allows healthy thoughts for a fairly long period of time. Disorganized personality and unstable emotions and prolonged mental or emotional stress are considered Abnormal.
Adaptation / Adaptation: Normal is able to adapt or adjust to changes in life or the environment. Abnormalities are those that prevent a person from dealing with changes or behaviors that result in maladaptation and maladjustment.
Effects on Others: Normal behavior ranges from having a positive effect on others to being so mundane that it is barely noticed. Abnormal behavior, on the other hand, ranges from mildly entertaining or upsetting to harmful to others.
Broadly speaking, the difference between Normal and Abnormal can be summarized as follows:
- In psychology, Normal and Abnormal refer to behavior, including thoughts and emotions, as well as biological and psychological traits.
- Normal and Abnormal are subjective to individual perspective and social norms and the meaning of each may change depending on time, culture and social standards.
- In the simplest terms, Normal is conformity with the norm and Abnormal is deviation from the norm.
- Normal is good or right adaptive behavior while Abnormal is maladaptation or maladjustment.
- Normal usually leads to a healthy state of mind and life while Abnormal can cause mental or emotional stress.
