Week 1- Defining Abnormal Behavior
In the early stages of documentation, abnormal behavior was regarded as being "possessed" by
either a god or spirit that was angry or a god or spirit that was good. After that, it shifted to the
idea that mental illnesses were caused by bodily ailments. From that point on, mental disorders
were looked at a whole new way. Over time, numerous discoveries and modifications occurred.
While some people were compassionate and developed programs and housing for women with
mental disorders (Hooley et al.), other people thought that people with mental disorders (women)
were witches. 2021). As we have evolved in our classification of abnormal behavior as well as in
our treatment of those affected by it on a physical, mental, and environmental level, the changes
throughout history are evident.
As we have learned from reading and watching this week's resources, abnormal behavior is
difficult to define because it depends on what society considers to be “normal” at the time. What
is considered acceptable by society has evolved with the passage of time. However, I believe that
taking a comprehensive look at a person helps determine whether the behavior they are
exhibiting is abnormal. Is the individual in good mental health, for instance? Can they function
in their surroundings? And do they pose a threat to society? I believe we can arrive at a more
accurate definition by considering the individual as a whole and asking these questions. It is
possible for us to perceive the behavior of other cultures as abnormal, just as it is possible for us
to perceive the behavior of other cultures as abnormal. In the United States, it is acceptable to
hug, touch, or enter another person's personal space; however, this is considered offensive in
China and the Middle East. I believe that abnormal behavior can be influenced by our
environment, and sometimes just removing a person or object from that environment can
significantly alter the behavior that is being displayed. Emotional intelligence, career
connections, and self-care all have a lot to do with how we perceive and respond to our
environment.
Sources: Hooley, J. M., Nock, M., & Butcher, J. N. (2021). Abnormal psychology (18th
ed.). Pearson.
