Lesson 1 - Review and Defining Abnormal Behaviour

Personal Distress View of Abnormality

With this view of abnormality, the individual's own perception matters. If Sally has to wash her hands exactly 26 times per day, but it does not bother her, then she is not abnormal. If John has to wash his hands exactly 26 times per day and it does bother him, then it is a problem and he would be considered abnormal. If people are satisfied with their lives, then that is all that matters. With this view, Ted Bundy (a serial killer) would be normal because he was content with his actions. Contrary to this view, distress is not necessarily a negative experience. Fear, for example, can alert us to dangerous situations, and the expression of grief can help us recover from tragic events.