To justify if one is displaying abnormal behavior, certain criteria must be met.

Full Answer Section

    So, what's the best approach? The most effective approach considers both individual distress and cultural context. Here's how they work together:

• Severity of distress: The level of distress a behavior causes is important. If a behavior significantly disrupts a person's daily life, work, or relationships, it might be considered abnormal.
• Cultural appropriateness: Cultural norms provide a framework, but they shouldn't be the sole deciding factor. If a behavior deviates significantly from cultural norms and causes distress, it might be a cause for concern.

Mental health professionals use a multi-axial diagnostic system like the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) that considers various factors, including:

• Symptoms (including distress level)
• Functional impairment (how the behavior affects daily life)
• Risk of harm to self or others
• Cultural context

In conclusion: Neither individual distress nor cultural norms alone define abnormal behavior. The most effective approach considers both factors to form a comprehensive understanding of a person's situation and determine if the behavior warrants intervention.    

Sample Answer

     

Neither the individual's distress level nor cultural norms alone are the most important criteria for defining abnormal behavior. An abnormal behavior diagnosis should consider both factors. Here's why:

• Distress alone is not enough: People from all walks of life experience distress for various reasons. Financial problems, relationship issues, or grief can all cause significant distress, but these wouldn't necessarily be classified as abnormal behaviors.
• Cultural norms can be misleading: Behaviors considered normal in one culture might be viewed as abnormal in another. For example, public displays of affection might be commonplace in some cultures but frowned upon in others. Relying solely on cultural norms could lead to misdiagnosis.