What is "Abnormal"?

The definition of the word abnormal is simple enough: deviating from the norm. However, applying this to psychology poses a complex problem: what is normal? Whose norm? For what age? For what culture? Some would simply classify what is "good" as normal and what is "bad" as abnormal, but this is a vague and narrow definition and brings up many of the same questions for the definition of "good" as does the definition for "normal".

A very simple idea that can be used to classify abnormal behaviour is personal distress. Basically, if a person is content with their life, then they are of no concern to the mental health field. However, if a person's thoughts or behaviours are causing them personal discomfort or unhappiness, then they will be considered abnormal.

The most common criterion for defining abnormality, however, is maladaptiveness. There are two aspects of maladaptive behaviour:

1. Maladaptive to one's self - inability to reach goals, to adapt to the demands of life and
2. Maladaptive to society - interferes, disrupts social group functioning.