Normal Psychology vs.Abnormal Psychology

268 Words2 Pages
Normal Psychology vs. Abnormal Psychology Tammy Dyke PSY/300 August 11, 2013 Erika Redmond Ayanaw Normal Psychology vs. Abnormal Psychology The discussion will discuss normal psychology vs. abnormal psychology. Normal Psychology is a study of individuals considered to have average or ordinary behaviors. The individuals in American society set the standards for normal behavior and abnormal behavior in the United States. The only problem is the United States may consider certain things normal behavior whereas another culture considers the same behavior abnormal behavior. Individuals considered to have normal behavior do not experience mental illness, mental disorders, or psychiatric problems. Many psychiatric doctors, hospitals, and their employees tend to blame the patients for abnormalities, instead of looking at the variables, which may have caused the abnormal behavior in some individuals in the first place (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). Rosen Hans study claimed everyone has idiosyncrasies, along with other things, which may be bothersome to others, and these things may appear to others as an abnormality (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). Abnormal psychology is a study of abnormal behavior to society, for example people with mental illness, mental disorder, or disagree with the society’s version of normal behavior labeled abnormal. Several examples of society’s abnormal behavior are as follows: A person who cannot care for him or herself daily, such as does not bathe daily, cannot brush his or her teeth, brush his or her hair, or dress him or herself. Some individuals in society consider individuals with impairments abnormal. Reference: Kowalski, R., and Westen, D. (2011). Psychology (6th ed.).Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Retrieved: from University of Phoenix eBook Collection
Open Document