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look at scenarios and decide what is “normal” and what is “abnormal” behaviour.

ID: 3469633 • Letter: L

Question

look at scenarios and decide what is “normal” and what is “abnormal” behaviour.

If you decide that a behaviour is “abnormal”, when in the scenario does this occur?

What would make the behaviour “normal”?

1) George is a twelve-year old boy who comes from a family situation characterized by physical abuse. In school he is aggressive and mean to other children. George’s teachers have tried to work with him, but his behaviour continues. Recently he set a fire at school.

2) Suzanne is a forty-year old homemaker whose two children are grown and living on their own. Suzanne’s husband is an active business man who frequently travels. Suzanne has few interests outside her home and spends considerable time by herself. Suzanne is very lonely. Recently she increased her cigarette consumption and begun to drink three cocktails before eating dinner and two more before bed. Some days she does not have the energy to get out of bed.

Explanation / Answer

1. George setting the school on fire is clearly an indication of abnormal behaviour, as the act poses a great danger to himself and others around them. If perhaps, he did not submit his assignment on time or skipped classes, one could still consider that he was behaving "normally".

2. Suzanne's tendency to consume excessive amounts of liquor every day is an indication of abnormal behaviour. Clearly, she is experiencing significant distress to cope with which, she consumes liquor. If she drank occasionally or a much-reduced amount of alcohol, perhaps her behaviour could be considered "normal".