Psychodynamic Model Of Normality

Generally the word normality indicates that everything is functioning properly and in good state and hence psychological normality represents good psychological or mental state. But it is another fact that defining what is normal and abnormal is difficult as they are abstract concepts. Upon analysis we can see that the society, which is a collection of different individuals, has set certain norms, practices and behaviors as normal. All those who conform to those behaviors are considered as normal and all those who cross those boundaries are treated as abnormal. Studies by Wood et al (2007) suggest that evaluations on normality indicate positive relations with features like “agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, well-being and

In the psychoanalytic or psychodynamic model, when the ego fails to maintain the balance between id and super ego , it tries to deal with the resultant anxiety arising in the unconscious either by projecting it or, denying it , repressing it or displacing it. The normality can be achieved only by bringing the problem to the conscious level and addressing it. In learning or behavioral models, it states that abnormality happens through any of the learning processes - either classical conditioning, where an unconditional stimulus generates and unconditional response, and conditioned stimulus generates conditioned response; or operant conditioning, where a response to a stimulus act as either a reinforcer or a punisher; or social learning where a behavior is imitated just because a role model has done it and got rewarded for it. In cognitive models, the abnormal behavior is attributed to the abnormal thought process of the individual. This leads to a response in the individual which is either rewarded or punished. Based on the response, the individual changes the thought process and this action can lead to a change in

This can be related to the components of psychological model of normality. Insanity can be a product of the problems in unconscious state. The ego’s failure to keep the balance settling the conflicts between id and super ego may lead to insanity about which patient may not be aware of. Insanity can be a learned behavior by classical or operant conditioning, developed by the patient to gain attention. Insanity can develop as a result of abnormal thinking which can be treated effectively by changing the thinking process. Rosenhan’s article says all normal are not detectably sane and the patients were not disruptive in their behaviour to consider them as insane. “The consequences to patients hospitalized in such an environment – the powerlessness, depersonalization, segregation, mortification, and self-labelling – seem undoubtedly counter-therapeutic”(p 258). These point to the fact that insanity may be attributed to one or more or all of the components of psychological model of