... distress to others, and behaving in an unexpected or bizarre manner are often the reasons why people come to the attention of psychologists. Many consider the failure to function adequately definition as being the most useful single approach, and the one closest to common sense. However, none of the above on its own constitutes an adequate definition of abnormality, since bizarre behaviour, for example, might actually allow a person to function adequately in a particular context. Another way of defining abnormality is in terms of a deviation from social norms. Abnormality is seen as behaving in ways society disapproves of, or not behaving in ways it approves of. Like other definitions, this one is bound by culture and era-dependency. Also, since most people have behaved in ways society disapproves of, most would be defined as 'abnormal.' No one definition on its own is adequate. Behaviours that are classified as mental disorders do ...

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