Abnormal and clinical psychology “What is normal in abnormality? » This essay will explain why it is difficult to define, classify and diagnose normal and abnormal behavior. It will evaluate abnormalities through cultural questions and diagnostic techniques and strive to illustrate the possible causes of mental disorders. Abnormal and normal behaviors are not easy to define. What is abnormal? It is a departure from the norm. What is normal? Normality depends on the individual's religious beliefs, stage of development, maturity and, above all, the environment; cultural difference that will determine acceptable behavior. Since there is no diagnostic test to determine an abnormality, psychiatrists rely on symptoms and subjective criteria. However, defining normality is even more difficult, but the majority of psychologists agree that the following points specify emotional well-being and agree with Atkinson et al. (1993), because the ideal criterion of mental health is the effective perception of reality; Precise self-knowledge; Ability to exercise voluntary control over behavior; Self-esteem and acceptance; Ability to form affectionate relationships; and Productivity. There are four models of Abnormality which are: Medical – Pinel (1745-1826) for Europe and Dix - (1802-1887) for America, the practice is used throughout the world; Psychodynamic – psychodynamicism appeared at the end of the 19th century by Sigmund Freud (1856-1939). Freud believed that mental disorders were caused by internal factors; he considered them psychological rather than physical conditions; Behavioral – Watson and Rayner (1920) could be due to environmental factors and fear conditioning or other conditions; and Cognitive – Bandura (1969) through observation....... middle of paper ......, expectations and attitudes towards anomalies. Therapeutic therapy aims to change thought processes and control effectiveness in daily life and has a more comprehensive approach than other therapies. Albert Ellis (1962) used rational emotive therapy (RET), which encouraged realistic expectations of oneself. To conclude, research on normal and abnormal behaviors has come a long way over the years. The treatment of abnormalities has been improved to help in many ways through the appropriate intervention of therapies. As different cultures have been implemented into the DSM IV, diagnostic techniques and behavioral control have been improved. There are many types and severities of mental disorders that require different treatments; this is why thorough assessments are carried out before making a diagnosis. Is this an anomaly in normality or is society more