Psychopathology is the study of the nature and development of abnormal behaviors, feelings, and thoughts. It can be an ambiguous topic to look at – there are no right answers – but it’s still fascinating.

So what is abnormal behavior? Well, in typical psychological fashion, there’s no easy answer to that either. There is no single definition that can adequately explain or define all aspects of abnormal behavior.

Abnormal Behavior Definitions 1 – Statistical Infrequency

Abnormal behavior is believed to be rare. No matter what the media would have us believe, there aren’t that many murderers and psychopaths out there. It is statistically rare. Thus, this model states that few people fall into behavioral extremes, so anything that is extreme is therefore abnormal behavior. For example, only 2% of the population has a very low IQ. So this is seen as “abnormal”. However, there are still value judgments attached to this. Two percent of the population has a very high IQ. This is seen as a positive, having a very low IQ is not!

Also, consider that some other “abnormal” behaviors are good. Not many of us win gold medals at the Olympics, but is that “abnormal”? Many people suffer from depression and anxiety throughout their lives. Depression is not considered a “normal” state of affairs, but if it is statistically common, isn’t it therefore “normal”? It’s not easy right?

So the statistical model doesn’t really give us much guidance in determining what is and isn’t “abnormal” or “normal.”

Abnormal Behavior Definitions 2 – Violation of Rules

In determining whether or not behavior is abnormal, we may consider whether it violates social norms or makes the people who observe it feel threatened or anxious. A psychopath will often display antisocial behavior. This violates the norms of society and makes us feel threatened or uncomfortable, so it fits the definition of violation of social norms. However, this is still too narrow a definition. Criminals and prostitutes may violate social norms, but are they “abnormal”? Also, what we see as a cultural or social norm can vary over time. Consider homosexuality: in various cultures and at various times, this has been accepted or in other times and cultures, illegal.

A simple example. A hundred years ago, if you had seen someone walking down the street, talking to a little box, they would have considered it abnormal. How many times do you see a person doing that with a mobile phone today and don’t think about it?

Definition of Abnormal Behavior 3 – Personal Distress

Personal suffering can be used to explain if a person has some kind of abnormal behavior.

Behavior can be considered abnormal if it creates great distress and torment for the person in question. For example, a person with severe anxiety or depression may be experiencing great distress.

But there are problems with this model (surprise, surprise). A psychopath displays “abnormal” behavior, but may not find it distressing. He can break the law without feeling guilt or remorse. Also, some experiences can distress us, like having a baby, being hungry, but these are not “abnormal” feelings.

Definition of Abnormal Behavior 4 – Behavioral Dysfunction or Disability

Disability is defined as if a person is impaired in some important aspect of their life, for example, work, relationships, etc. This can be defined as “abnormal”. A phobia, for example, can cause distress and disability. If we are afraid to go out, we may be so upset that we don’t leave the house; therefore, our lives are affected. This is a complicated definition as both disability and distress are required. For example, a crossdresser is still classified as a mental disorder, but the crossdresser may not find being a crossdresser distressing. Another example, we can be desperate to be a professional soccer player, but not be very fast or very good at it; this can cause us distress, but it is not abnormal behavior.

Definition of Abnormal Behavior 5 – Unexpected

Not all distress or disability is abnormal behavior. Disability and distress can be considered “abnormal” when they are unexpected responses to an environmental stressor. Hunger can cause us anguish, this is an expected response. If we are rich, but are constantly worried about money, this is not an expected response, so it can cause us psychological problems.

Therefore, there is no key definition of abnormal behavior or psychopathology. That is why it is such a broad and diverse subject, with so many different theories and research papers.