AM I NORMAL (Yes)

In this article, called “Am I Normal,” we will discuss what the psychological norm is, the factors that influence it, psychological answers to some common questions, about a card game, “Am I normal?.”

The Concept of Psychological Norm

At least four factors influence the concept of the psychological norm:

Norma – statistical concept

Normal is considered as being a lot; it refers to the middle of the distribution.

Moreover, its “tail” parts, respectively, indicate a region of low or high meanings.

To value quality, we must correlate a person’s indicator with others and thus determine his place on the normal distribution curve.

The prefixes “sub” and “super” do not provide an ethical or pragmatic assessment of quality.

Norms are not absolute; they develop and are obtained empirically for a given group (age, social, and others).

Social stereotypes condition norms.

If a person’s behavior does not correspond to the generally accepted in this society, it is perceived as deviating.

For example, in Russian culture, it is not customary to put one’s feet on a table, while in American culture, this is not condemned by anyone.

Norms are associated with mental health.

Abnormal can be considered what requires to contact a clinician.

It should be noted; in psychiatry, the evaluative approach is discussed, and as the most significant indications of a deviation from the norm, a violation of the productivity of activity and the ability to self-regulation is taken.

For example, when an elderly person, realizing the weakness of his memory, uses auxiliary means (a notebook, laying out the necessary objects in his field of vision), then this behavior complies with the norm, and if he treats himself uncritically, he refuses to “prosthetics” his space, this ultimately leads to the inability to solve the tasks and indicates a violation of mental health.

The idea about norms is determined by expectations, a person’s non-generalized experience, and other subjective variables.

If the first child in the family began to speak at the age of one and a half years, then the second, who by the age of two had not yet learned to speak freely, is perceived as endowed with lag signs.

V. Stern, calling for caution in assessing a person, noted that, firstly, psychologists do not have the right to make a conclusion about the abnormality of an individual as a carrier of this property from the established abnormality of the individual and, secondly, the established abnormality of the person is impossible reduce to a narrow sign as its only root cause.

In modern diagnostics, the concept of “norm” is used in the study of impersonal characteristics, and when it comes to personality, the term “features” is used, thereby emphasizing the intentional rejection of the normative approach.

Psychological answers to some common questions that interest many people: 

I cannot save money. Is it normal?

It is normal and is our collective misfortune.

Otherwise, why would piggy banks come up? You can consider the love of squandering a character trait or weak will.

At least as long as you spend your money.

However, if a person spontaneously spends someone else’s money or gets into a loan, it is not normal.

Sometimes I imagine my death or funeral. Is it normal?

Death is a part of our lives.

However, if a person thinks about death, it is not that good.

However, there are stages in life when the topic of your death becomes more relevant: if someone died or you were treated to a strange pill in a disco. 

I sometimes imagine that I am killing someone in details. Sometimes I dream that I am doing it. Is it normal?

This happens to a person experiencing some internal discomfort, which in itself is also the norm.

However, if bloodthirsty dreams come with other oddities or result in aggressive behavior, it is worth worrying.

Killing people, in reality, is not normal.

I hate Christmas and my birthday. Is it normal?

Many people in the world do not like celebrations.

You are not alone, and it is normal not to like your birthday and Christmas; there can be reasons that make it understandable, not liking, and even hating not only them but also other celebrations.

I drink alone. Is it normal?

If you drink a little from some esthetic or ritual considerations, it is normal.

What matters is not the process, but the result – this is a reason to worry. “If a person relieves stress, alcoholism is already abnormal,” says a psychiatrist.

Also, if you worry, means there is a reason.

I do not like to admit that I am wrong and ask for directions when I get lost. Is it normal?

It is generally difficult for a person to come to terms with the fact that he is wrong.

Like this: me – wrong? If a person needs to be right at all costs, even when he knows that is wrong and continues to insist on his own, it is a sign of neurosis.

I do not feel comfortable where people gather, but to me alone, it is not so good. Is it normal?

You do not like company – it means you are an introvert.

This is normal. You do not like to be alone – no one likes to be alone.

This is also normal. If you prefer talking face to face or being in a small company, it is quite reasonable and is about characteristics.

I like to look at pictures of corpses, films with deformities. Is it normal?

If your curiosity does not pass by time, you should talk to a psychologist, who can help you to figure out the reasons why you find the mentioned things so attractive.

I like to crunch on my neck or knuckles. Is it normal?

It is normal, but it does not mean that it is harmless and useful: by destabilizing the joints, a person risks experiencing consequences such as dislocation and subluxation of the joints and nerve damage.

I have unmotivated attacks of aggression aimed at defenseless people. Is it normal?

The question is how you deal with it. If you give way out of aggression (screaming, grabbing at the ax), then it is a personality disorder.

If you control yourself and the matter is limited to worries about an aggressive mood, then this is nothing, just another neurosis. 

Am I Normal? Card game

“Am I normal?” is a card game that includes 52 cards. The cards are to find out how weird (or not) you might be.

This game is a tool for self-assessment and reassurance.

The cards let us compare ourselves with many different statements, which are mostly dark, to see how weird (or not) we are and maybe.

They help us not to be ashamed and not to feel that uncomfortable because of our uncomfortable thoughts.

How to use the cards?

There are three main ways to use the cards:

1. Use the cards in moments when you are afraid of the awkwardness of the social situation,
2. Use them to reflect about sense of shame or hidden fear (it can have a light therapeutic effect),
3. Give the cards to your friend or relative who struggles with anxiety and has difficulties in expressing it.

Examples of cards:

• I am anxious pretty much all the time.
• I am far meaner than everyone thinks.
• I have some very unhygienic, noxious habits.
• I cannot bear to hear that someone loves their job.
• I often do not react at all to supposedly ‘great’ works of art.

Recommended books and sources

1. Am I Normal Yet? (The Spinster Club Series #1)
2. HFNE “I Hate Driving”
3. HFNE “I Hate My Dog”
4. Normal People
5. Video – Am I normal? (male puberty)
6. WEIRD: Because Normal Is not Working

Conclusion

So, norma is considered as being a lot; it refers to the middle of the distribution.

Moreover, its “tail” parts, respectively, indicate a region of low or high meanings.

Social stereotypes condition norms are associated with mental health.

The idea about norms is determined by expectations, a person’s non-generalized experience, and other subjective variables.

If you worry and find yourself asking, “Am I normal?” the namesake card game can be helpful for self-assessment and reassurance; it can have some therapeutic effect.

However, if your worries deepen and you feel anxious, you should talk to a mental health professional.

Please feel free to comment on the content or ask any questions in the comments section below.

References

1. Card game “Am I Normal?”
2. What does Normal Mean?