Psychological Normality: Differentiating Between What Is and Is Not Clinically Significant

Great wealth, genius, and winning an Olympic gold medal do not fit within the scope of what is psychologically normal. Yet, defining what is and is not abnormal is a critical function of psychology. This article will explore the models used to differentiate psychosocial norms from clinical discrepancies, providing clarity on what is considered a need for treatment.

Defining Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal psychology, defined as the study of "psychopathology" (psychological disorders), is a core component of psychological education. At Yale, for example, the course aims to introduce students to various clinical presentations of psychopathology throughout human development. The curriculum covers specific psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders, along with etiological considerations, clinical features, defining characteristics, and diagnostic criteria. Current psychotherapeutic interventions are also reviewed to provide a comprehensive understanding.

What Is Not Normal Is Not Always Abnormal

Psychology recognizes that not all uncommon behaviors constitute psychopathology. For instance, homosexuality, once considered a mental health problem in Western psychology and psychiatry, is now widely accepted as a normal variation. However, in some regions, it is still punishable, which highlights the societal and cultural factors influencing perceptions of normality. What psychology is concerned with is how these behaviors impact an individual's quality of life rather than stigmatizing based on societal norms.

Differentiating Healthy from Unhealthy

A fundamental principle in psychology is that an issue becomes a need for treatment when it causes significant distress to the individual or distress to others. Distress is not simply a negative emotion, but a psychological response that hinders one's ability to function effectively in society. For example, repeatedly disturbing the peace by screaming without meaning or purpose during public events is a clear sign of a psychological problem, as it negatively impacts others' quality of life.

The Continuum of Human Behavior

Modern psychology emphasizes the concept of a large continuum of natural variation in behaviors and psychological profiles. There is no clear boundary between what is considered normal and abnormal. Instead, what dictates whether a behavior is a problem is its interference with the individual's ability to function in the world. Nail-biting and restless leg syndrome, for instance, might not indicate a mental health issue unless it significantly disrupts the individual's life. Similarly, feelings of self-loathing about sexual orientation due to social pressures can be exacerbated by environmental factors and should thus be evaluated differently.

Environmental and Personal Factors in Diagnosis

Understanding the interplay between an individual's personal circumstances and the environment is crucial in diagnosing psychological disorders. For example, a person who bites their nails might be doing so as a habitual response to stress at home. Alternatively, someone who experiences self-loathing due to their sexual orientation might be in an environment where rejection is a major factor. It's important to consider both individual and environmental factors to get an accurate picture of the root cause of the behavior.

Conclusion

To summarize, psychological normality is not a rigid spectrum but a dynamic area where individual circumstances and societal norms come into play. Psychology focuses on behaviors that significantly impact an individual's quality of life and that of others. By recognizing the continuum of human behavior and understanding the role of environment and personal factors, professionals can provide more accurate and nuanced diagnoses and treatments. This approach ensures that those in need of help receive it, while societal taboos and personal preferences are not conflated with clinical issues.

Keyword: psychological normality, abnormal psychology, mental health evaluation