Factors of Abnormal Behaviour: Biological, Psychological and Social

Introduction on Factors of Abnormal Behaviour

Human behaviour is shaped by a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social forces. While most behaviours are considered normal and socially acceptable, certain patterns deviate significantly from societal expectations and are classified as abnormal behaviour. In sociology and social psychology, abnormal behaviour is understood not only as a matter of individual pathology but also as a product of social structures, cultural norms, and interactional contexts. It reflects the dynamic interplay between an individual’s inner conditions and the wider social world.

The study of abnormal behaviour is essential for understanding mental health, social control, deviance, and the cultural construction of normality. From a sociological standpoint, abnormality is not just a medical or psychological issue but also a phenomenon embedded in social definitions, power relations and institutional practices.

This article explores the biological, psychological, and social factors of abnormal behaviour within a sociological framework.

1. Biological Factors of Abnormal Behaviour

Biological explanations emphasize the physiological and genetic basis of abnormal behaviour. They highlight how dysfunctions in the body or brain can lead to behavioural patterns considered abnormal in society.

(a) Genetic Influences

Research suggests that some abnormal behaviours have hereditary links. Disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression often run in families. For instance, twin and adoption studies show higher concordance rates of schizophrenia among identical twins compared to fraternal ones. From a sociological lens, these biological predispositions interact with social environments, such as poverty or discrimination, which may trigger or worsen the disorder.

(b) Neurochemical Imbalances

Abnormalities in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are associated with mood disorders, aggression, and compulsive behaviours. While the medical model focuses on chemical imbalances, sociology emphasizes how stressors in society—like unemployment, social isolation, or peer pressure—contribute to these imbalances or their behavioural outcomes.

(c) Brain Structure and Damage

Injuries, tumors, or degenerative diseases of the brain can alter cognition, personality, and emotional regulation. For example, frontal lobe damage often leads to impulsivity or socially inappropriate behaviour. However, society interprets and labels such behavioural deviations through cultural frameworks, highlighting the sociological aspect of how “abnormal” is defined.

(d) Physical Health and Developmental Factors

Chronic illnesses, hormonal imbalances, and prenatal complications can increase vulnerability to abnormal behaviours. Malnutrition, substance abuse during pregnancy, or childhood infections may affect cognitive development, leading to learning disabilities or behavioural disorders. These are deeply tied to social factors such as poverty, healthcare inequality, and environmental risks.

2. Psychological Factors of Abnormal Behaviour

Psychological perspectives focus on internal processes such as cognition, emotions, and personality traits that shape human behaviour. In sociology, these are not isolated but are seen in interaction with socialization and cultural expectations.

(a) Personality Traits and Disorders

Extreme personality characteristics like dependency, aggression, or narcissism can manifest as abnormal behaviour. Personality disorders such as borderline or antisocial personality disorder influence how individuals interact within society. From a sociological standpoint, these behaviours are judged abnormal because they disrupt social order, strain interpersonal relations, and defy normative expectations.

(b) Traumatic Experiences

Childhood abuse, neglect, bullying, or traumatic events like war and displacement often lead to abnormal behavioural outcomes, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sociology stresses how trauma is not only personal but socially distributed—certain groups, such as refugees, marginalized communities, or victims of domestic violence, are more exposed to trauma.

(c) Cognitive Distortions

Negative thought patterns, irrational beliefs, or distorted perceptions contribute to anxiety and depression. Psychological theories, like those of Aaron Beck, highlight how faulty cognitions shape maladaptive behaviour. Yet, sociologists extend this by asking: Why do certain social groups develop more negative thought patterns? Structural inequalities, cultural stigmas, and lack of social mobility play a crucial role.

(d) Learned Behaviour and Conditioning

Abnormal behaviours may be learned through reinforcement or modeling. For instance, substance abuse may be learned in peer groups where it is normalized. Sociology examines how institutions, family structures, and cultural practices contribute to such learning processes, making abnormal behaviour a socially embedded phenomenon.

3. Social Factors of Abnormal Behaviour

From a sociological perspective, the social environment is one of the most powerful determinants of abnormal behaviour. The social model of abnormality argues that deviance is largely shaped by cultural norms, socialization processes, and systemic inequalities.

(a) Family Environment

The family is the primary agent of socialization. Dysfunctional families, marked by conflict, neglect, or authoritarian parenting, often contribute to maladaptive behaviours in children. Lack of emotional support, domestic violence, or inconsistent discipline can foster aggression, withdrawal, or dependency.

(b) Peer Influence and Social Learning

During adolescence, peer groups play a central role in shaping behaviour. Deviant peer associations often lead to delinquency, substance abuse, or antisocial behaviour. Sociology emphasizes how peer pressure is linked to broader structural issues like urban poverty, weak educational systems, and unemployment.

(c) Socioeconomic Status (SES)

Poverty, unemployment, and economic insecurity are strongly associated with abnormal behaviour. Low SES increases stress, limits access to healthcare, and reduces opportunities for education and mobility. Marginalized groups experience higher rates of depression, substance abuse, and criminal behaviour due to structural disadvantages, making abnormal behaviour partly a reflection of social inequality.

(d) Cultural Norms and Values

What is considered abnormal in one culture may be normal in another. For example, trance states, spirit possession, or extreme ascetic practices may be valued in some societies but pathologized in others. Sociology highlights that definitions of abnormality are culturally relative, shaped by dominant values, traditions, and systems of power.

(e) Social Institutions and Structural Pressures

Institutions like education, religion, politics, and media shape behaviour by enforcing norms and roles. When individuals fail to meet institutional expectations—such as academic success or stable employment—they may experience strain, leading to deviant or abnormal behaviours. Merton’s strain theory explains how structural inequalities push individuals toward innovation or deviance when legitimate means are blocked.

(f) Stigma and Social Labeling

Sociologist Thomas Scheff’s labeling theory argues that abnormal behaviour is often the result of societal labeling. Once someone is labeled “mentally ill” or “deviant,” they may internalize this identity and act accordingly. Social stigma further isolates individuals, worsening their condition. Thus, abnormal behaviour is both a social construction and a response to exclusion.

Interconnection of Biological, Psychological, and Social Factors

While each factor contributes uniquely, abnormal behaviour is best understood through a biopsychosocial model. Biological vulnerabilities, such as genetic predispositions, often interact with psychological processes like trauma or cognitive distortions, which are in turn influenced by social structures such as poverty or cultural stigma.

For example, a person with a family history of depression (biological) may develop negative thinking patterns (psychological) when experiencing childhood neglect, and this may worsen if they face unemployment or social isolation (social). Thus, abnormal behaviour emerges not from one dimension alone but from their complex intersection.

Sociological Implications on Factors of Abnormal Behaviour

1. Social Construction of Abnormality – What is considered abnormal is shaped by cultural norms and institutional authority, making it relative rather than universal.
2. Role of Inequality – Abnormal behaviour often reflects deeper structural inequalities in class, gender, caste, or race.
3. Social Policy and Intervention – Addressing abnormal behaviour requires not only medical treatment but also reforms in education, healthcare, labor markets, and social welfare.
4. Destigmatization – Sociology emphasizes the need to challenge stigma, redefine mental health in inclusive terms, and create supportive environments.

Conclusion on Factors of Abnormal Behaviour

Abnormal behaviour is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. While biology provides the foundation for understanding predispositions and vulnerabilities, psychology explains cognitive and emotional processes, and sociology situates abnormality within a cultural and structural context. From a sociological perspective, abnormal behaviour is not merely an individual dysfunction but a reflection of social conditions, inequalities, and cultural definitions. Recognizing this interconnection is crucial for creating holistic approaches to mental health, promoting social justice, and fostering inclusive societies.

Exam-style questions on Factors of Abnormal Behaviour

5 Marks Questions on Factors of Abnormal Behaviour

1. Define abnormal behaviour in the sociological context.
2. Mention any two biological factors influencing abnormal behaviour.
3. How does family environment contribute to abnormal behaviour?
4. Give an example of cultural relativity in defining abnormal behaviour.
5. What is labeling theory in the context of abnormal behaviour?

10 Marks Questions on Factors of Abnormal Behaviour

1. Explain the role of genetic and neurochemical factors in the development of abnormal behaviour.
2. Discuss the impact of traumatic experiences and cognitive distortions on abnormal behaviour.
3. Examine the influence of socioeconomic status on abnormal behaviour in society.
4. How do peer groups contribute to deviant or abnormal behaviours among adolescents?
5. Critically analyze how cultural norms shape the definition of abnormal behaviour.

15 Marks Questions on Factors of Abnormal Behaviour

1. Discuss in detail the biological, psychological, and social factors of abnormal behaviour with suitable examples.
2. Examine the role of structural inequalities in shaping abnormal behaviour from a sociological perspective.
3. Evaluate the biopsychosocial model of abnormal behaviour and its significance in understanding mental health.
4. “Abnormal behaviour is a social construction as much as an individual pathology.” Discuss.
5. Explain how stigma and social labeling affect individuals with abnormal behaviour in society.