Definition of abnormality - Deviation from social norms

• What does the deviation from social norms theory propose about abnormal behavior?

  It proposes that behavior is abnormal if it is very different from the acceptable behavior of other members of the same society or cultural group.
• How might behavior be perceived as abnormal according to the deviation from social norms theory?

  Behavior may be unexpected by other group members or offend them in some way.
• What are unwritten rules in the context of social norms?

  Unwritten rules are the implicit standards of acceptable behavior within a society or cultural group.
• What is an example of a condition associated with deviation from social norms?

  Antisocial personality disorder (APD) is an example.
• What is a characteristic of antisocial personality disorder (APD)?

  A characteristic of APD is a failure to conform to lawful or normative ethical behavior.
• How might society judge someone with antisocial personality disorder (APD)?

  People may make a social judgment that someone with APD is abnormal.