Understanding Normal and Abnormal Behavior
UNDERSTANDING NORMAL AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR
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UNDERSTANDING NORMAL AND ABNORMAL HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN SOCIETY ZINAB PEYKANI MACHIANI GIRNE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
UNDERSTANDING NORMAL AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR
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Abstract The purpose of this study is to better understand the difference between normal and abnormal behavior in society. Everyone has their own perception of what is normal and what is abnormal and live their lives accordingly. The purpose here is show that there is no definite way of living and that we each live by guidelines that are formed by society and are forced onto us, which we then force onto others. In the never-ending quest for success and happiness, families are bombarded with information about how a supposedly normal family manages. Everything from raising children to resolving conflict to how often people should make love seems to be compared to somebody 's idea of the norm. I also discuss the meaning of disruptive behavior in society which sets the ground for distinguishing normal and abnormal behavior.
UNDERSTANDING NORMAL AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR
3
Introduction Human behavior is different all over the world. Society is different and therefore different things are expected of different people. Most people live according to what they believe is expected by their society and culture. People believe that in every culture there is a „right‟ way to live and a „wrong‟ way. There is a perception on how people should live, work, where they should work, why they should work, what they should eat, where they should, where their kids should play, go to school, what they should study…etc. It‟s as if there is this „life handbook‟ being handed down from generation to generation which has ALL the answers. Apparently every culture has one and EVERYONE knows it by heart and expects everyone else to live accordingly. People don‟t get along, there is constant conflict between who has to have what and everyone believes they are right. Where do we
1
UNDERSTANDING NORMAL AND ABNORMAL HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN SOCIETY ZINAB PEYKANI MACHIANI GIRNE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
UNDERSTANDING NORMAL AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR
2
Abstract The purpose of this study is to better understand the difference between normal and abnormal behavior in society. Everyone has their own perception of what is normal and what is abnormal and live their lives accordingly. The purpose here is show that there is no definite way of living and that we each live by guidelines that are formed by society and are forced onto us, which we then force onto others. In the never-ending quest for success and happiness, families are bombarded with information about how a supposedly normal family manages. Everything from raising children to resolving conflict to how often people should make love seems to be compared to somebody 's idea of the norm. I also discuss the meaning of disruptive behavior in society which sets the ground for distinguishing normal and abnormal behavior.
UNDERSTANDING NORMAL AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR
3
Introduction Human behavior is different all over the world. Society is different and therefore different things are expected of different people. Most people live according to what they believe is expected by their society and culture. People believe that in every culture there is a „right‟ way to live and a „wrong‟ way. There is a perception on how people should live, work, where they should work, why they should work, what they should eat, where they should, where their kids should play, go to school, what they should study…etc. It‟s as if there is this „life handbook‟ being handed down from generation to generation which has ALL the answers. Apparently every culture has one and EVERYONE knows it by heart and expects everyone else to live accordingly. People don‟t get along, there is constant conflict between who has to have what and everyone believes they are right. Where do we
References: 1. Kring, Neale, Davison & Johnson; Abnormal Psychology, 2007 Psychology 101: 2. Hardy, C. & Latane, B; Social Loafing on a Cheering Task; Social Science, 71, 165-172; (1986). 3. Heider, F.; The Psychology of Interpersonal Relationships. New York: Wiley; (1958). 4. Hull, C. L.; Principles of behavior; New York: Appleton; (1943). 5. Hull, C. L.; A Behavior System; New York: Appleton; (1952);