If we look at word
Normal it is derived from Latin word ‘Norma’ meaning Rule. It means following
or confirming to social norms or standards. “Normal means abiding by conduct
and explicit or implicit norms of the society”
Introduction
The
concept of normality is subjective phenomena. The individuals who behaves,
functions and live her/his life adequately, more or less satisfied about self
and do not face any difficulty in doing her/his daily activities necessary for
living are considered as normal. Normal people are known to have balanced
emotional behaviour, aware of their identity and what is expected from them.
According to Coleman (1981) normality represents the optimal development and
functioning of the individual consistent with the long term well being and
functioning of the group.
Normality
from Psychological Perspective
In psychology,
behaviour and public expression of emotions that do not violates the
psychological functioning is called normal behaviour. Psychological indicators
of normality are: -
(i) Stable behaviour,
(ii) Situation specific emotional expression,
(iii) Appropriate response,
(v) Cognitive functional fitness,
(vi) Unhindered daily activities,
(vii) Better self-adjustment,
(viii) Stable personality pattern, and
(ix) Average intelligence.
Normality from the Social
Perspective
Normal behaviour is one that do not violate
the society’s ideas. For example, in most of the societies crying by men in
public is not considered as appropriate but still it is not considered as
psychological abnormal. The concept of normality is the function of social
acceptance.
Social
indicators of normality: -
(i) Socially confirming behaviour.
(ii) Statistically most frequently occurring
phenomenon in society are considered as normal.
(iii) Scores well on social adjustment domain.
(iv) Social adaptability.
(v) Normality is average behaviour.
Some Yardsticks of
Assessing Normality
Large number of Psychologists agrees
upon the following 4 yardsticks for assessing the normality. The individual who
do not exhibit these 4 D’s is expected to be normal: -
(i) Deviance – (different, extreme,
unusual),
(ii) Distress – (unpleasant and upsetting),
(iii) Dysfunction – (interfering with the
person’s ability to conduct daily activities i), and
(iv) Danger – (behaviour that jeopardizes the
safety of others).
Apart from these four D’s
following parameters are also considered for assessing the normality: -
(i) Observing the behaviour in context of
the environment
(ii) Effect of behaviour on others
(iii) Expression of common pattern of behaviour
(iv) Self-management
Characteristics of
Normality
1. Normality is assessed in the light of
several interrelated factors.
2. Normal behaviour is seen as productive
and most commonly occurring.
3. Manifestation of composed and
responsible behaviour.
4. Expression of ideal mental health and
wellbeing.
5. Culture and its norms are the defining
paradigms of normality.
6. Normality is a subjective phenomenon.
7. It’s characterization among
intra-culture remains stable while varies among inter-culture.
References:
1. Coleman, J. C. (1981). Abnormal
psychology and modern life.
2. Essays, UK. (November 2018). Concepts
of Normal and Abnormal Behaviour. Retrieved from
https://www.ukessays.com/essays/psychology/concepts-of-normal-and-abnormal-behaviour.php?vref=1
3. https://www.psychologydiscussion.net/difference-between/difference-between-normal-and-abnormal-behaviour/475.
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