Determining If Behavior is Abnormal

As with any field in the practice of science and health, psychology uses a set of criteria in order to identify whether an individual's behavior is psychologically disordered or not. Unfortunately, for psychologists, it's not always as clear ct and easy as other professions. In fact, diagnosing a psychologically abnormal individual can be somewhat subjective since no complete and total agreement has ever been reached on the definition of "abnormal behavior." However, luckily for clinicians a set of criteria still does exist. This criteria isoften called the four D's: deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger. As these four are generally present in psychologically abnormal individuals, it is up to the clinician to evaluate a client's behavior on these four concepts.

Devance deals with an individuals behavior, thoughts, and emotions differing significantly from societal norms. This is one distinction between normal and abnormal behavior. Those who conform to societal standards of behavior are often viewed as normal, while those deviating from it are commonly referred to as abnormal. However, the line between norms and deviance varies by culture and society. This aspect will be discussed later.

Distress is another qualifying feature that sets apart normal from abnormal. We wouldn't diagnose someone with an alternative fashion sense as abnormal purely because their style differs from societal norms. Instead, abnormal behavior generally causes distress to the individual. While there are exceptions, this is to be looked at when evaluating a client's behavior for abnormality.

Similarly, dysfunction tends to be a part of abnormal behavior. Dysfunction deals with one's inability to continue carrying out daily activities. This concept can also be subject to culture, but it is generally present in abnormal behavior. For example, an individual that has an obsession with washing their hands, and the compulsion of actually carrying out the action can be said to by dysfunctional when it begins to interfere with their work, social life, or personal life.

Lastly, abnormal behavior often results in danger to the individual and/or others around them. This is perhaps one of the more clear concepts of abnormal behavior. However, it is also exceptional; meaning, it is not presented in all or even many cases. In fact, many mental disorders pose no danger to themselves or those around them. Still, it should be considered as something to take serious.

As stated earlier, these four D's aren't always as easy to identify as they seem. Cultural differences must be kept in mind since societal norms vary the world over. A clinician must remain open minded and educated about both the individual and the cultural background that may be influencing behavior.