Abnormal Psychology - Behaviour That Is Not Socially Acceptable Essay Example

Lecture 1 What is Abnormal Psychology? Students’ Definitions and Examples of Abnormal Psychology Behaviour that is not socially acceptable Science of learning how biological changes affect personality & behaviour Prolonged or repeated psychological state that is harmful to the individual or others Person with an illness, on medication, deviates from the norm Study of illnesses, mental disorders that the DSM-IV does not recognize as normal Myths and Misconceptions No single definition of psychological abnormality No single definition of psychological normality Many myths are associated with mental illness {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} What is Abnormal Psychology? “The Four Ds”: Deviance – Different, extreme, unusual Distress – Unpleasant and upsetting Dysfunction – Causes interference with life Danger – Poses risk of harm Deviance: From What? From behaviors, thoughts & emotions considered normal in a specific place, time and by specific people From social norms Stated and unstated rules for proper conduct in a given society or culture Distress According to many clinical guidelines, behavior must be personally distressing before it can be labeled abnormal Breakdown in cognitive, emotional, or behavioural functioning Example: Personality Disorders Eating Disorders Psychosis Dysfunction Abnormal behavior tends to be dysfunctional – it interferes with daily functioning Difficulty performing appropriate and expected roles Culture has an influence on determinations of dysfunction as well Dysfunction alone does not mean abnormality Danger Abnormal behavior may become dangerous to oneself or others Behavior may be careless, hostile, or confused