Normality and Abnormality

The concept of “normal” is frequently and indiscriminately used in contemporary society (Sanfeliciano, 2018). People often hear that certain things or behaviors are or are not normal. However, when one attempts to define the idea of normality, things become more complicated, as it is difficult to determine what is normal and what is abnormal. Sanfeliciano (2018) points out that, regarding this issue, it is essential to ask: if there is a line separating normality from abnormality, how can one know when that line has been crossed?

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Normality and Abnormality in Culture

At first glance, one can assert that normality is a construct that emerges and is shaped through cultural and social dynamics—through the acceptance of values and beliefs shared by a given group. In other words, it evolves as transformations or processes occur within a society and among its members. Therefore, there is no single or universal notion of normality that applies to all communities, societies, or social groups (Huenchucona, 2021). In this sense, consistent with Sanfeliciano (2018), one cannot speak of normality in general terms, but rather of what is considered normal within a specific society.

For this reason, it is difficult to consider the concepts of normality and abnormality without referring to culture (Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley, 2007). In any given culture, there are widely accepted beliefs and behaviors that are part of its traditions. For example, in many Christian countries, people believe that the number 13 is unlucky and often take special precautions on that day. As a result, and in line with Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley (2007), some hotels, buildings, and hospitals do not have a 13th floor. In contrast, Japanese culture does not associate misfortune with the number 13, but instead avoids the number 4, since the Japanese word for "four" is similar to the word for "death."

Similarly, the words used to describe psychological distress vary significantly across cultures (Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley, 2007). For instance, there is no direct equivalent of the word “depressed” in the languages of certain Native American or Southeast Asian groups. Of course, this does not mean that members of these cultures do not experience psychological depression. However, the way certain mental disorders manifest can largely depend on the culturally specific ways in which emotional pain is expressed. In China, for example, individuals with depression often report physical symptoms—such as fatigue, dizziness, or headaches—rather than consistently expressing sadness, which is typically associated with depression in the West (Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley, 2007).

Although cultural factors influence how mental illness manifests clinically, some forms of psychopathology appear to be highly specific to particular cultures (Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley, 2007). One such example is koro, an anxiety disorder frequently seen in young Asian men. According to Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley (2007), it is characterized by an intense fear that protruding body parts—often the penis—are shrinking or retracting into the body, which is believed to lead to death.

What is "Normal" and what is Abnormal?

Normality refers to what is considered natural, what flows and occurs spontaneously, and is therefore simply accepted. It is what is common, what does not disturb or discomfort either the individual or others. As such, no one seems to be troubled or concerned by what is known as normality (Orozco, 2014). Based on this definition, and given that under certain circumstances one can influence or aggravate the other, abnormality would be the opposite condition—one that deviates from what is considered normal. In other words, it is behavior that "deviates" from cultural norms, yet, like normality, it adjusts to sociocultural parameters through acceptance, beliefs, and their reproduction (Huenchucona, 2021). According to Orozco (2014), such “abnormalities” emerge in two directions: the first in a positive sense, such as exceptional talent in intellectual or artistic domains or extraordinary intuitive abilities; and the second, in a negative sense, referring to behaviors that deviate from the norm in a harmful or concerning way.

History of Normality and Abnormality

To understand the historical development of these concepts, it is helpful to consider four key moments that illustrate different interpretations of abnormal behavior (Rivera, 2020). The first took place in prehistoric times, when disturbed behavior was interpreted through supernatural explanations and seen as punishment by demons or witches. Later, it came to be understood as a sign of stress or depression. At another point, abnormalities were believed to be caused by the moon or stars. The second stage occurred in antiquity, when abnormal behavior was thought to stem from biological causes. Hippocrates and Galen, for instance, believed that such behaviors resulted from an imbalance of bodily fluids, giving rise to the theory of the four basic temperaments. In the 19th century, according to Rivera (2020), such behaviors were often attributed to dementia caused by brain infections.

In the modern era, the development of treatments for behaviors that violated social and moral norms led to the creation of various care institutions (Rivera, 2020). Thanks to contributions from different psychological schools of thought, appropriate treatment methods and classifications for "abnormal" behavior were established. Today, scientific and integrative methods exist to assess unusual behaviors, and tools based on specific criteria have emerged to help identify them (Rivera, 2020). Contemporary psychology defines psychological disorder as a condition characterized by the presence of abnormal thoughts, emotions, and behaviors (Maristany, 2019). However, as Maristany (2019) notes, this leads back to the same question: What is abnormal?

To answer this, the science of the human mind has developed manuals such as the DSM-5 and the ICD-11 (Maristany, 2019). These texts include standardized diagnostic criteria intended to distinguish between normal and abnormal behaviors and symptoms—particularly pathological ones. Although defining these two concepts remains a complex task, having such parameters is crucial for identifying and supporting individuals who may be experiencing mental illness. However, the DSM-5 does not define what is normal or abnormal. Its purpose is to specify types of mental disorders in order to identify “abnormal” symptoms or behaviors that may indicate a specific disorder. According to Maristany (2019), it is important to acknowledge that the definitions of these terms have changed over time and must continue to evolve, since society and its concepts are constantly transforming—and the standards must reflect this.

References

1. Butcher, J., Mineka, S., & Hooley, J. (2007). Psicología clínica (12a. ed.). Distrito Federal: Pearson Educación.

2. Huenchucona, Y. (2021). Contacto a los conceptos: normalidad- anormalidad. Al Poniente. Recuperado 4 September 2021, a partir de https://alponiente.com/contacto-a-los-conceptos-normalidad-anormalidad/

3. Maristany, A. (2019). ¿Qué es lo “normal” y “anormal” para la Psicología?. Psicólogos Córdoba. Recuperado 26 November 2020, a partir de https://psicologoscordoba.org/normal-anormal-psicologia/

4. Orozco, S. (2014). Vista de Normalidad y anormalidad psicológica y niveles de prevención. Revistas.udea.edu.co. Recuperado 4 September 2021, a partir de https://revistas.udea.edu.co/index.php/Psyconex/article/view/22445/18579

5. Rivera, A. (2020). Conceptos de anormalidad y normalidad en el ejercicio de la psicología clínica. Recuperado 26 November 2020, a partir de https://cdn.goconqr.com/uploads/media/pdf_media/21074063/7f6fe581-7a83-405d-9950-7746a7bef6e3.pdf

6. Sanfeliciano, A. (2018). ¿Qué significa la normalidad?. La Mente es Maravillosa. Recuperado 4 September 2021, a partir de https://lamenteesmaravillosa.com/que-significa-la-normalidad/