Deviant behavior is generally defined as behavior that is considered contrary to the norms or regulations that apply in society. There are several factors that make a person have deviant behavior. One of them is a psychological problem.
Assumptions about deviant behavior can be subjective and contextual. That is, a behavior that is considered deviant in one place may be considered normal in another, depending on the prevailing culture, norms, and societal rules.
However, medically, people who behave deviantly are considered to need treatment if they also have psychological disorders that have interfered with daily life and endanger themselves or others, for example trying to commit suicide and driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs.
Contrary to the general opinion of society, sexual orientation, such as homosexual and bisexual, does not fall into the category of deviant behavior or mental disorders.
Deviant Behavior in Sociology
In sociology, there are 2 general theories that discuss deviant behavior, namely the differentiation relationship theory and the theory of deviant behavior label.
In the theory of differentiation relations, a sociologist from the United States, Edwin H. Sutherland, stated that deviance can occur after a person interacts with the social environment and learns what is considered normal and deviant, then performs the deviant behavior.
Meanwhile, theory label stated by Edwin M. Lemert also explains that a person can perform deviant behavior due to the process of label or stigma from the people around them, then the stigmatized person will behave according to the attached negative label or stereotype.
There are many examples of deviant behavior from the sociological perspective, for example a child becomes deviant after hanging out with friends who have similar behavior or when someone goes to prison and becomes a prisoner, then after leaving prison he becomes deviant.
Traits of Deviant Behavior
A behavior can be said to be deviant if the behavior or action has the following aspects:
Deviance or deviation
Behavior that is considered not in accordance with the prevailing norms or culture in society in a region can be said to be abnormal or deviant behavior, for example talking to yourself.
In modern culture, self-talk is considered abnormal behavior. While in some societies that still have a magical or traditional mindset, this behavior may be considered to have high spiritual value and not deviant behavior.
In psychiatry, self-talk can be a symptom of perceptual disorders, such as psychosis or hallucinations in schizophrenia or dissociative personality disorder.
Distress or distraction
An unusual or unusual action is taken, for example shouting in the library. However, this does not mean that all unusual actions are included in deviant behavior.
For example, cycling around the world. This behavior cannot be said to be deviant behavior because it does not cause disturbance, either to others or to the perpetrator.
As long as an unusual behavior does not cause disturbance, then the behavior is more accurately considered as an eccentric behavior.
Dysfunction or inability to carry out normal activities
When a person is in mourning, the tendency to withdraw from the environment for some time is normal. However, this is not the case in people with depression.
People with depression can withdraw from routine and the people around them on an ongoing basis. This behavior can be said to cause dysfunction in the daily life of the sufferer.
Danger or harmful behavior
Behavior that causes a person to harm others or himself is also a deviant behavior. For example, having suicidal ideation or attempts. This is a severe symptom of a mental disorder that requires thorough medical treatment.
Some Examples of Deviant Behaviors
The following are some examples of deviant behavior that quite a lot occurs in Indonesia and is contrary to applicable law:
- Abuse of illegal drugs
- brawl
- Illegal street racing
- Theft
- Bullying
- Traffic violations, such as running a red light
- Corruption
- Littering
- Murder
- Gambling
Factors Causing Deviant Behavior
Deviant behavior may be the impact of a bad association or environment, such as wrong parenting and low levels of education.
However, sometimes a person may behave deviantly because they have mental pressure, for example when they are under severe stress, have family problems, or are left by a loved one. Even in certain cases, a person may be able to behave deviantly because he uses drugs.
However, not infrequently deviations in behavior are carried out on an intentional basis.
Beyond that, deviant behavior can also be caused by psychological problems suffered. The following are some types of mental disorders that can make sufferers perform deviant behavior:
- Dementia
- Schizophrenia
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Autism
- ADHD
- Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder and depression
In essence, deviant behavior needs to be watched out for and handled if it has caused harm to the perpetrator or other people. If you or someone you know shows signs of a behavior disorder, you should see a psychiatrist so that appropriate treatment can be carried out.
To determine the cause of why a person engages in deviant behavior, doctors can perform a psychiatric examination to determine whether the behavior is due to a mental disorder.
If there are psychiatric problems, doctors can provide treatment in the form of counseling and psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and prescribe medication, if needed.