Unit 1DB 2 - This is a discussion essay about abnormal and normal behavior and psychology. PDF

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This is a discussion essay about abnormal and normal behavior and psychology. This essay also provides information on the labeling theory and the consequences of labeling theory and how depression ties in with both....

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Abnormal Psychology and DSM-5 Unit 1 Discussion Board 2 Tatyana Scott Colorado Technical University

Abnormal and Normal Behavior According to Brown (1940) abnormal psychological phenomena are simple exaggerations (over development or under development) or disguised (i.e., perverted developments) of the normal psychological phenomena (Sharma, 2015). An example of Abnormal behavior could be a person who is struggling with a mental illness. He or she may not be able to complete tasks that a “normal” person may find simple to do. According to Coleman (1981) normal behavior will represent the optimal development and functioning of the individual consistent with the long-term well-being and progress of the group (Sharma, 2015). Examples of Normal behavior would be going to school, playing games, etc. The labeling theory explains how the identity and behavior of people are influenced by how society has classified them ("Labeling Theory", n.d). An example of the labeling theory would be a man or a woman who is receiving assistance from the government. Some people may label him or her as poor or lazy regardless of their reasoning for receiving benefits.

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One of the implications of labeling human behaviors and human beings as normal and abnormal, is that it can leave a long-lasting effect on the individual who is being labeled. For example, if a person is use to making bad decisions in their life, telling them that they are good for nothing or not normal, may cause them to begin believing something may be wrong with them. As a result, they may start to lack motivation to accomplish anything in life. A consequence of labeling in the workplace, is that an employee’s attitude may overshadow their work ability. Meaning, Jim could be one of the most hardworking employees in the office, but if he has a horrible or snobby attitude, his employer may not choose him for certain job opportunities. Another consequence of labeling in the workplace is that it can cause the employee to distance themselves from their coworkers. For example, Susan may be a fast learner and quick with completing tasks on the job. Because of this, her coworkers may label her as a “know it all” or think that she is better than everyone else in the office. Depression is the most common mental disorder there is. Individuals who are dealing with depression tend to have difficulty doing certain daily activities that they had no problem with completing before. Some symptoms of depression are significant weight loss, lack of energy, and excessive guilt. The good thing about depression is that it can be treated with a combination of antidepressants, medication, exercise and therapy. In the past, a study among 700 million people was done to compare three samples of the effects of depression among teens, college students and adults between the mid-1980s and 2010s. Individuals were asked directly if they felt depressed. Not many told the truth. They thought that their lack of sleep was a result of work and assignments that they were keeping up with. They

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weren’t aware that they were in fact going through depression. In the past, depression wasn’t talked about as much as it is today. This perspective has changed from the past because now employers encourage their employees to speak up whenever they are dealing with any type of illness. More jobs are seeking help for their employees. Employers are more aware of the symptoms of depression and how it can affect an individual in the workplace. Unusual behaviors can be classified and identified without negative consequences to people by providing the proper resources in order to inform individuals about mental illnesses and disorders. The reason why some people label others or look at other as abnormal, is because they don’t have the proper knowledge to understand why a person acts or looks a certain way or the affect that it has on a person when they being labeled.

SHORTENED VERSION OF TITLE HERE References Sharma, A. (2015, April 30). Difference between Normal and Abnormal Behaviour. Retrieved October 3, 2018, from http://www.psychologydiscussion.net/differencebetween/difference-between-normal-and-abnormal-behaviour/475 Labeling Theory. (n.d.). In Alleydog.com's online glossary. Retrieved October 3, 2018, from: https://www.alleydog.com/glossary/definition-cit.php?term=Labeling+Theory Twenge, J. M. (2014, October 2). Why So Many People Are Stressed and Depressed. Retrieved October 3, 2018, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/our-changingculture/201410/why-so-many-people-are-stressed-and-depressed Depression. (n.d.). Retrieved October 3, 2018, from https://www.apa.org/topics/depression/index.aspx Caimano, V. F. (2018, April 11). Depression at Work. Retrieved October 3, 2018, from https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-news/Pages/ms-depression-work.aspx

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