Psychology - Normality vs Abnormality

Normality

The state of having thoughts, feeling and behaviours that are considered common and acceptable.

Abnormality

The state of deviating from the 'norm', usually in a way that is undersirable.

Socio-cultural approach

People perceive things as normal according to a particular set of codes relating to the social and cultural processes they are a part of.

Functional Approach

People are considered normal if their thoughts, feeling and behaviours allow them to cope with the demands of every day life.

Historical Approach

What people perceive as normal changed through throughout different historical periods.

Medical Approach

Things that are abnormal have underlying biological causes and can be diagnosed clearly according to different symptons.

Statistical Approach

Normality is based on how the majority of people think, feel and behave.

Situational Approach

Normality is based on what is acceptable in different contexts.