ESP 103 — Social Psychology of Abnormalities: Lecture Note

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LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Series 1 Course Code: ESP 103 Course Title: Social Psychology of Abnormalities Course Credit load: 2 Units List Series: Series 1: Foundations of Normality and Abnormality Series 2: Characteristics of Human Behaviour: Normal vs Abnormal Series 3: Social-Psychological Typologies of Abnormalities Series 4: Theoretical Conceptions of Perceptions of Abnormalities Series 5: Assessment and Treatment Approaches in Abnormal Behaviour Parts of Outline for Series 1 Part 1.1: Meaning and Concept of Normality 1.1.1: Definitions of Normality 1.1.2: Cultural and Social Contexts of Normality 1.1.3: Psychological Perspectives on Normal Behaviour Part 1.2: Meaning and Concept of Abnormality 1.2.1: Definitions of Abnormality 1.2.2: Historical and Social Views of Abnormality 1.2.3: Psychological Perspectives on Abnormal Behaviour Part 1.3: Comparative Understanding of Normality and Abnormality 1.3.1: Criteria for Distinguishing Normal vs Abnormal Behaviour 1.3.2: Challenges in Defining Abnormality 1.3.3: Implications for Social Psychology Introduction Every society has its own ideas of what is considered “normal” behaviour, yet these ideas often shift across cultures, time periods, and social contexts. Understanding how normality and abnormality are defined is therefore essential in social psychology, as it provides the foundation for exploring human behaviour and its variations. This Series sets the stage for the course by

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS helping you grasp the basic concepts that underpin later discussions on typologies, perceptions, and treatments of abnormalities. The aim of this Series is to equip you with a clear understanding of the meaning and context of normality and abnormality, and to enable you to critically distinguish between them within psychological and social frameworks. We shall commence this Series by examining the meaning and concept of normality, considering definitions, cultural influences, and psychological perspectives. Next, we will turn to the meaning and concept of abnormality, exploring how it has been defined historically, socially, and psychologically. Finally, we will wrap up by comparing normality and abnormality, identifying criteria for distinction, and reflecting on the challenges and implications of these definitions within social psychology. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1: define the concept of normality within psychological, cultural, and social contexts. • SLO 1.2: explain the concept of abnormality with reference to historical, social, and psychological perspectives. • SLO 1.3: analyse the criteria used to distinguish normal from abnormal behaviour. • SLO 1.4: evaluate the challenges and implications of defining abnormality in social psychology. 1.1 Meaning and Concept of Normality Normality is a central idea in psychology and social sciences, yet it is often misunderstood. To study abnormalities effectively, we must first establish what is meant by normality, which refers to patterns of behaviour, thoughts, and emotions that are considered typical, acceptable, or expected within a given society. This Part will guide you through the meaning and concept of normality, exploring definitions, cultural contexts, and psychological perspectives. 1.1.1 Definitions of normality The term normality can be defined as the state of being typical or conforming to a standard. In psychology, it often refers to behaviours and mental processes that fall within socially accepted ranges. However, definitions vary depending on whether they are based on statistical averages, cultural expectations, or functional adaptability.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS For example, a behaviour may be considered normal if it is statistically common, but in another context, it may be judged abnormal if it violates cultural norms. This shows that normality is not fixed but relative. Fill in the blank: Normality is often defined as the state of being _____ or conforming to a standard. Figure 2.1: Perspectives on defining normality. 1.1.2 Cultural and social contexts of normality Normality is strongly influenced by culture, defined as the shared values, beliefs, and practices of a group. What is considered normal in one culture may be abnormal in another. For instance, eye contact is seen as a sign of confidence in many Western societies, but in some cultures, avoiding eye contact shows respect. Similarly, social norms are unwritten rules that guide behaviour within a community. They shape expectations of normality and help maintain social order. When individuals deviate from these norms, their behaviour may be labelled abnormal, even if it is harmless. Fill in the blank: Normality is shaped by both ______ and social norms, which vary across societies.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Plate 2.1: An image showing diverse cultural practices that illustrate different perceptions of normality. 1.1.3 Psychological perspectives on normal behaviour Psychologists have proposed different perspectives to explain normal behaviour. The medical perspective views normality as the absence of disease or disorder. The statistical perspective defines normality as behaviour that falls within the average range of a population. The functional perspective considers normality as the ability to adapt and function effectively in daily life. Each perspective offers valuable insights, but none alone can fully capture the complexity of human behaviour. A combined approach is often necessary to understand normality in social psychology. Fill in the blank: The functional perspective defines normality as the ability to ______ and function effectively in daily life.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Table 2.1: Psychological perspectives on normality Pilot Questions 1.1 1. How would you define normality in your own words? 2. Which definition of normality (statistical, cultural, or functional) do you find most convincing? 3. Can you think of a behaviour that is normal in your culture but abnormal elsewhere? 4. Why do social norms play such a powerful role in defining normality? 5. How does the medical perspective differ from the statistical perspective? 6. Which perspective do you think best explains normal behaviour in everyday life? 1.2 Meaning and Concept of Abnormality Having explored normality, we now turn to the concept of abnormality, which is equally central to social psychology. Abnormality refers to patterns of behaviour, thoughts, or emotions that deviate significantly from what is considered typical, acceptable, or functional within a given society. This Part will help you understand how abnormality is defined, viewed across history and cultures, and interpreted through psychological perspectives. 1.2.1 Definitions of abnormality The term abnormality can be defined as behaviour or mental processes that fall outside accepted norms, often causing distress, dysfunction, or risk to self and others. Unlike normality, which is

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS associated with conformity and adaptability, abnormality highlights deviation and maladjustment. Different definitions exist, such as statistical deviation (rare behaviours), social deviation (violating norms), and maladaptive functioning (inability to cope with daily life). Each definition captures a different aspect of abnormality. Fill in the blank: Abnormality is often defined as behaviour that causes ______, dysfunction, or risk to self and others. Figure 2.2: Perspectives on defining abnormality. 1.2.2 Historical and social views of abnormality Throughout history, abnormality has been interpreted in different ways. In ancient societies, it was often linked to supernatural causes such as possession or curses. During the Middle Ages, abnormal behaviour was sometimes treated with religious rituals or punishment. With the rise of science, explanations shifted towards medical and psychological causes. Social views also play a major role. What one society labels abnormal may be tolerated or even valued in another. For example, behaviours considered eccentric in one culture may be seen as creative expression in another. Fill in the blank: In ancient societies, abnormality was often explained through ______ causes such as possession or curses.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Plate 2.2: An image showing historical depictions of abnormal behaviour (e.g., medieval treatments, cultural rituals). 1.2.3 Psychological perspectives on abnormal behaviour Psychologists have developed various perspectives to explain abnormal behaviour. The medical perspective sees it as a result of biological or physiological dysfunction. The psychodynamic perspective attributes it to unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences. The behavioural perspective focuses on learned maladaptive behaviours, while the cognitive perspective highlights distorted thinking patterns. Each perspective provides unique insights, and together they help us understand the complexity of abnormality. Fill in the blank: The cognitive perspective explains abnormal behaviour as a result of ______ thinking patterns.

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