Psychological Abnormality Defining abnormality What is abnormal psychology? The distinction between 'normal' and 'abnormal' behaviour is not clear-cut.Psychologists have tried to define abnormality in several different ways. Limitations of definitions of abnormality are: Statistical Infrequency: Does not account for social acceptability or type of behaviour. For example, very high intelligence is abnormal because it is rare. Also, eccentric behaviour that is rare but acceptable is also abnormal. Deviation from Social Norms: Social norms vary …showed first 75 words of 1042 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1042 total…caring support and help the person feel valued for other qualities than looks. A person with an eating disorder may not accept that they need help, family and friends will need to offer encouragement and information. Find out as much as you can so that you understand what thaey are going through, but don't try to act an expert yourself. Encourage the person to find something that they enjoy doing to channel their energy into.