214 PSYCHOLOGY
Defining Abnormal Behavior: It Takes More
than Deviation
Abnormal behavioris behavior that deviates from a given norm or standard of
behavior. If the average adult in the United States takes five baths or showers a
week, and Tom takes twenty-one, then Tom’s behavior is abnormal. The defini-
tion presented above is strictly statistical. It does notimply pathology (i.e., “sick-
ness”). If Tom is a salesman, sweats a lot, and wants to be presentable to others, he
may actually find it necessary to bathe twenty-one times a week. On the other
hand, Tom may suffer from irrational anxiety about his body odor. The showers
may represent compulsive behavior used to reduce anxiety. In this case, it is possi-
ble that Tom suffers from an obsessive-compulsive anxiety disorder.Abnormal behavior is behavior that from a given norm or standard of behav-
ior.Answer: deviates.It takes more than deviation alone for a behavior pattern to be considered
pathological. Additional criteria help mental health professionals to identify the
presence of a mental disorder. First, there is almost always sufferingassociated
with a mental disorder. Often it is the selfthat suffers. Depression, anxiety, and
confusion are miserable mental and emotional states. On the other hand, some-
times it is othersthat suffer. For example, a person with an antisocial personality
disorder may, without feeling guilty, manipulate and use another person (see
pp. 223–224, on personality disorders).
Second, pathological behavior is often self-defeating. Self-defeating behav-
ioris behavior that provides momentary gratification with an excessive long-term
cost. Examples include overspending, chronic procrastination, and compulsive
gambling.
Third, pathological behavior is often self-destructive. Self-destructive
behaviortends to injure the body. Examples include overeating, drug abuse, self-
inflicted injuries, and irrational risk-taking.
Fourth, pathological behavior is salient. Salient behavioris behavior that
stands out. It tends to be striking and conspicuous. Examples include a person
wearing three sweaters on a summer day or someone holding a conversation with
an invisible companion. Sometimes the word vividis used for this particular crite-
rion of pathology.
Fifth, pathological behavior is illogical behavior.An observer of the behav-
ior thinks, “What this person is doing right now makes no sense.” In some
instances the victim of a mental disorder recognizes the nonsensical aspect of a
thought or a behavior. The suffering individual thinks, “What I’m doing now is