Defining abnormal behavior is not an easy task.

Defining abnormal behavior is not an easy task.

Psychologists view abnormal behavior as existing on a spectrum from unusually healthy to extremely disturbed. Rather than fixed categories, both “abnormal” and “normal” behaviors exist along a continuum. The four criteria are: statistical infrequency, disability or dysfunction, personal distress, and violation of norms.

Address the following:
1. In your own words, define what “normal” and “abnormal” mean.
2. Locate and provide two scientific definitions of abnormal behavior—from the textbook, through online research, from a dictionary
3. Describe the four criteria to be met for behavior to be considered abnormal and provide an example of each.
4. Discuss the need for multiple criteria and explain why one criterion is not enough to accurately classify abnormal behavior and psychological disorder.
5. Can you think of any behavior you exhibit that might be considered abnormal if your own cultural norms were not taken into account?