Dysfunction is defined as a behavior that interferes with daily functioning (Comer & Comer, 2021). Being dysfunctional or engaging in dysfunctional behaviors alone does not equal abnormal behavior. To be defined as abnormal, the behavior must meet all four criteria: deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger (Comer & Comer, 2021). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (2013), abnormal behavior must also be considered a statistical rarity and a violation of social norms.
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Peer name:Lila Davis
Dysfunction is defined as a behavior that interferes with daily functioning (Comer & Comer, 2021). Being dysfunctional or engaging in dysfunctional behaviors alone does not equal abnormal behavior. To be defined as abnormal, the behavior must meet all four criteria: deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger (Comer & Comer, 2021). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (2013), abnormal behavior must also be considered a statistical rarity and a violation of social norms.
There are several behaviors that meet the criteria of being dysfunctional but are not considered abnormal behaviors, which is why there are four criteria in the definition. Social norms also factor into whether or not a behavior is considered abnormal or even dysfunctional. If someone frequently abuses alcohol or drugs but can maintain a job and a social life, the behavior is not regarded as dysfunctional by societal standards. Another example is that a person can abuse drugs or alcohol and still not be diagnosed with abnormal behavior because substance and alcohol abuse is not an uncommon behavior. Even though it is a deviant behavior that can cause distress, dysfunction, and danger, these behaviors are not a statistical rarity or a violation of social norms.
Overall, dysfunction alone does not equal abnormal behavior because of what society defines as dysfunctional and abnormal. There are four criteria required to be considered an abnormal behavior, as well as the subjectiveness of being considered a statistical rarity and a violation of social norms.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Links to an external site.
Comer, R.J. & Comer, J. (2021). Abnormal psychology (11th ed.). Worth Publishing
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