Overview

Over the past several weeks, Jamal has discovered that abnormal behavior can be the result of a genetic predisposition, an inappropriate fit between a behavior and its context, or our inability to adapt to the changing demands of our environment. Likewise, Jamal now understands how our exposure to messaging can significantly influence our perception of what is considered normal; the views conveyed by today’s social media influencers can have a dramatically positive or negative impact on the biopsychosocial well-being of their followers. Perhaps most importantly, Jamal has observed the ways in which compassion, empathy, and acceptance of our individual differences can promote an inclusive, diversity-positive view of mental illness—and a more humanistic definition of what it means to be abnormal.

Now more than ever, Jamal is a firm believer in the idea that we are all abnormal in our own unique ways. When we acknowledge the humanity in abnormality, we can begin to reconstruct our view of abnormal—not as a weakness or a deficit, but as an aspect of the human experience that, in many cases, can be identified, managed, and overcome.

Prompt

The following resources support your work on this activity:

Module Eight Activity Template: You may use this template to complete the Module Eight Activity assignment.

Psychology Research Guide: This resource was created to help you find psychology related content.

For this journal activity, you will focus on reconstructing your view of what it means to be abnormal. Specifically, consider the notion of the humanity in abnormality. Then respond to the following prompts with a minimum of 3 to 5 sentences. Address the rubric criteria listed below and support your answers with a credible source when necessary.

Discuss what it means to view our individual differences through a non-pathologizing lens.

In recent times, people have begun to adopt a non-clinical view of psychological conditions—as differences, not disorders. Discuss the costs and benefits of viewing psychological traits, symptoms, and conditions in this manner.

Think of an abnormal behavior that may be viewed as a deficit or a weakness. Discuss how aspects of this behavior may be reframed and reapplied as a strength.

Guidelines for Submission

Submit your completed Module Eight Activity Template. Sources should be cited according to APA style