Abnormality is defined as any behaviour, emotion, thoughts, or underlying processes that falls outside the range of what is considered to be “normal” for a particular social context An “abnormal” person may not necessarily be considered unhealthy or experiencing mental illness, only that it does not conform to societal expectations. Abnormal behaviour is commonly used in psychology to refer to behaviours deemed deviant due to their unusualness or which are dangerous, erratic, or have a negative impact on one’s life.
There are a variety of different forms of abnormal behaviours, based on a variety of causes. Some forms of abnormality may be related to emotional disturbances, while others may be the result of physical or neurological problems. In many cases, abnormal behaviours are caused by a combination of factors, such as mental illness, underlying medical conditions, and environmental influences.
Five examples of abnormal behaviours are as follows:
1. Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by the presence of hallucinations, delusions, confusion, disorganized thoughts, and other cognitive impairments. People living with schizophrenia may experience a wide range of social and emotional problems, as well as an impairment in certain day-to-day activities.
2. Eating Disorders: Eating disorders are an umbrella term for a wide range of abnormal eating behaviours such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Individuals who are suffering from an eating disorder may display abnormal consumption patterns, such as severely restricting their food intake or overeating and purging.
3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by the presence of obsessive thoughts, rituals, and/or behaviours that take up significant amounts of time or cause distress. Common symptoms of OCD include a fear of contamination, excessive checking or counting, and a need for control or order.
4. Impulse Control Disorders: Impulse control disorders are characterized by an inability to resist the urge to perform a certain behaviour or action. The behaviour itself is not necessarily wrong or harmful, but it can often have negative consequences. Examples of impulse control disorders include pathological gambling, kleptomania, and intermittent explosive disorder.
5. Dissociation: Dissociation is a process in which a person loses the sense of their own identity or becomes detached from reality. Dissociation can manifest as a symptom of many psychological disorders, and is often seen in individuals who have experienced trauma or abuse.
In conclusion, abnormal behaviour is any behaviour that does not conform to societal expectations or falls outside the range of what is considered “normal”. There are a number of different forms of abnormal behaviour, ranging from mental health issues such as schizophrenia and eating disorders to impulse control disorders, dissociation, and more. Understanding what constitutes abnormal behaviour is important for mental health professionals, as it can help them recognize and treat disorders more effectively.