Question

Thirty-year-old Armand feels compelled to save objects that others might throw away. He is afraid that he will discard something he will need later, so his home is filled with old junk. Armand's neighbors have complained about this, and he feels embarrassed. Which criteria that define abnormality is applicable in this case?A. Armand's behavior deviates from the norm and is distressing for him.

B. Armand's behavior has drawn the attention of other people.
C. Hoarding behavior is normal through adolescence but should disappear by the time the person is in his early- to mid-twenties.
D. Saving junk suggests that Armand is paranoid.

Answer 1

A. Armand's behavior deviates from the norm and is distressing for him

Step-by-step explanation:

There are basically 4 criteria that psychologists use in defining abnormalities. These include: violation or deviation from social norms, dysfunction or statistical rarity, personal distress, and maladaptive behavior that poses danger to others.

In the case of Armand, the saving of objects that others might throw away is a deviation from what is acceptable by the society as it is expected that old junk should be discarded. Armand’s feeling of embarrassment when his neighbors complained about his behavior brings distress to him also, which gives credence to the definition of Armand’s behavior as an abnormality.