If people are in a minority, and vary themselves from the distribution of expected statistical variation, then they are abnormal. |
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However, being a minority is not the same as being abnormal:
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So context is important! |
These norms involve expectations and some people do not meet them:
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However, subculture does not mean abnormality:
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So the issue is not difference but functioning and harm. |
Minor behaviours can be examined to see if they are distressing or dysfunctional for the individual. Work or relationships become very difficult and sometimes problems combine to overwhelm:
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This is useful because now the individual is being considered and in social context from a much more experiential point of view. |
However, whilst some experiences are difficult, they may be beneficial in the long run:
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See Rosenhan, D. L., Seligman, M. E. P. (1989), Abnormal Psychology, New York: W. W. Norton. |
Just as good physical health leads to a comparison for ill-health in the body, the same can be done for the mind. The person should be able to achieve good mental health, and have treatment. Ideal mental health involves:
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This is a positive approach based on ideals rather than a majority. |
However, this is somewhat Western and liberal in ideals:
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It is important to recognise how often culture comes up in judgments and to be aware of the relativity of culture. Secondly it is important to test mental health and come up with regular results. The key perhaps is self harm and harm to others. |