Reflections on the Criteria of Normality and Abnormality in Human Behavior. Professional Challenges

Essay , 2023 , 6 Pages

Psychology - Diagnostics

Determining normal or abnormal behavior in human beings can be a professional challenge for mental health specialists. In general, there is no consensus on the criteria for determining a psychopathology in an individual who requires specialized help, due to the tendency to psychopathologize human behavior in the DSM-5 and ICD-10 manuals. This study seeks to question and suggest new ways of understanding this dyad in the field of clinical-health psychology, disagreeing on the guidelines that health professionals have regarding making this decision. Moreover, it is concluded that morality is necessary as a central axis in the criteria of normality and abnormality, the relationship of the subject with himself and with his environment, the historical moment, the idiosyncrasy of his region and the legal significance of his behavior.

Table of Contents

• Abstract
• Introduction
• The criteria taken into account
• Brief history about this dichotomy
• Conclusions
• References

Objectives and Key Themes

This study aims to challenge the prevailing methods of determining normal and abnormal behavior in clinical-health psychology, specifically criticizing the overreliance on the DSM-5 and ICD-10 manuals. It seeks to propose a more nuanced understanding of the "normal/abnormal" dyad.

• The limitations of DSM-5 and ICD-10 in determining psychopathology.
• The importance of cultural context, morality, and legal considerations in assessing behavior.
• The role of historical context in evaluating mental health.
• Criteria for determining normality and abnormality beyond purely medical-statistical measures.
• The long-term impact of psychopathological diagnoses on individuals.

Chapter Summaries

Abstract: This study challenges the current methods of defining normal and abnormal human behavior, particularly the over-reliance on the DSM-5 and ICD-10. It argues for a more holistic approach considering cultural factors, morality, and legal implications, advocating for a deeper understanding of this complex dyad within clinical health psychology.

Introduction: The introduction highlights the difficulties mental health professionals face in distinguishing between normal and abnormal behavior, criticizing the tendency to over-pathologize. It questions the sufficiency of medical-statistical criteria and introduces the study's aim: to examine the guidelines used by professionals in making this crucial determination, emphasizing the potential life-long impact of diagnoses.

The criteria taken into account: This section details four key criteria considered for determining normality and abnormality: the historical moment, the subject's relationship with their environment and peers, and their self-relationship and adaptive capacity. Each criterion is elaborated upon, highlighting its importance in a comprehensive evaluation, emphasizing the individual's ability to adapt and integrate into their socio-historical context.

Brief history about this dichotomy: This chapter explores the historical and societal influences on the perception of normality and abnormality. It argues against the simplistic view of equating socially accepted behaviors with progress, citing examples from Roman history and modern political contexts to illustrate the relativity of these concepts. It concludes by suggesting an integration of the criteria with ontological considerations.

Keywords

Normality, abnormality, mental health, human behavior, DSM-5, ICD-10, cultural context, morality, legal significance, psychopathology, diagnosis, social impact.

Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview

What is the main topic of this study?

This study critically examines the methods used to define normal and abnormal behavior in clinical health psychology, specifically challenging the overreliance on the DSM-5 and ICD-10 diagnostic manuals. It advocates for a more nuanced and holistic understanding of the "normal/abnormal" dichotomy.

What are the key objectives of this research?

The study aims to: 1) Highlight the limitations of DSM-5 and ICD-10 in determining psychopathology; 2) Emphasize the importance of cultural context, morality, and legal considerations; 3) Explore the role of historical context in evaluating mental health; 4) Propose criteria for determining normality and abnormality beyond purely medical-statistical measures; and 5) Examine the long-term impact of psychopathological diagnoses on individuals.

What criteria are used to define normality and abnormality in this study?

The study considers four key criteria: the historical moment, the individual's relationship with their environment and peers, their self-relationship, and their adaptive capacity. Each criterion is analyzed in detail to provide a comprehensive evaluation, focusing on the individual's ability to adapt and integrate into their socio-historical context.

How does this study address the historical context of normality and abnormality?

The study explores the historical and societal influences shaping perceptions of normality and abnormality. It argues against a simplistic view equating socially accepted behaviors with progress, using examples from Roman history and modern politics to illustrate the relativity of these concepts. It suggests integrating these criteria with ontological considerations.

What are the limitations of the DSM-5 and ICD-10 according to this study?

The study criticizes the overreliance on the DSM-5 and ICD-10, arguing that their limitations stem from a lack of consideration for cultural context, morality, legal implications, and the historical evolution of behavioral understanding. The study suggests these manuals oversimplify the complex nature of human behavior and mental health.

What is the significance of cultural context, morality, and legal considerations in this study?

The study strongly emphasizes the crucial role of cultural context, moral values, and legal implications in assessing behavior. It argues that a purely medical-statistical approach is insufficient and that these factors must be integrated for a comprehensive and ethical evaluation of normality and abnormality.

What are the key takeaways from the chapter summaries?

The chapter summaries highlight the study's central argument: the need to move beyond a purely medical model in defining normal and abnormal behavior. They emphasize the multifaceted nature of this issue and the importance of considering historical context, cultural norms, moral principles, and legal frameworks in reaching accurate and fair evaluations.

What are the keywords associated with this study?

The keywords include: Normality, abnormality, mental health, human behavior, DSM-5, ICD-10, cultural context, morality, legal significance, psychopathology, diagnosis, social impact.

• Authors: Yordanis Arias Barthelemi (Author) , Miriam Musle Lavalle (Author) , Francisco Franco López (Author) , Gladys Mora Albear (Author)
• Publication Year: 2023
• Pages: 6
• Catalog Number: V1422960
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346980762
• Language: English
• Tags: normality, abnormality, mental health, human behavior