Maladaptive View of Abnormality

Another common way to define abnormality is to refer to maladaptive behaviour. People can be maladaptive to themselves, which means they do not have the ability to reach their own goals and to adapt to the demands of their lives. Individuals can also be maladaptive to society, which means they interfere with or disrupt the functioning of various groups in society.

alcoholIndividuals with substance abuse problems provide examples of maladaptive behaviour. Walter, for example, is a middle-aged male who consumes alcohol after work every day. He usually drinks until he can no longer function effectively. He argues with friends, family, and co-workers. His behaviour has become so offensive at work that he has lost his job. Walter is not motivated to find another job and spends the money he has left on alcohol and sundry items (magazines, DVDs, junk food). Walter spends time thinking about how worthless he is and how life does nor treat him fairly. He is often angry, aggressive, and depressed. Because he cannot cope with his specific life circumstances, Walter is defined as abnormal within this view.

As with all these views of abnormality, the maladaptive view also has shortcomings. In Nazi Germany in the last century, for example, a German citizen who was unable to understand and adapt to the position of Hitler was considered abnormal. Is it really abnormal to dislike the persecution of a minority group?