Chapter 4 - Typical and Atypical Behaviour

Question 1

Abnormality

Answer 1

behaviours that are unusual, bizarre, atypical or out of the ordinary

Question 2

Adaptive

Answer 2

a term used by psychologists to describe emotions, behaviours and cognitions that enable us to adjust to our environment appropriately and cope most effectively

Question 3

Adaptive cognitions

Answer 3

ways of thinking that are of benefit to our survival and wellbeing

Question 4

Alertness

Answer 4

the ability to be
vigilant and to
sustain focus

Question 5

Atypical behaviours

Answer 5

patterns of behaviour that are not expected for an individual or that deviate from the norm and can be
harmful or distressing for
the individual and those around them

Question 6

Atypical development

Answer 6

when behaviours, skills or abilities fall outside the expected range of development or progress at a different pace compared to similar-aged peers

Question 7

Central coherence

Answer 7

the ability to
derive overall
meaning from a
mass of details

Question 8

Cognitions

Answer 8

cognitive processes or mental actions that involve acquiring, processing and understanding information or knowledge

Question 9

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Answer 9

psychological treatment that targets the relationship between maladaptive thoughts, feelings and behaviours

Question 10

Cultural perspectives

Answer 10

a criterion for determining whether a behaviour is typical or atypical, by accounting for cultural norms or societal standards

Question 11

Cultural responsiveness

Answer 11

respect for, and relevance to, the health beliefs, health practices, culture and linguistic needs of diverse populations and communities

Question 12

Emotions

Answer 12

feelings that arise from our circumstances, mood or relationships with others

Question 13

Executive function

Answer 13

a cognitive
process that
helps us to set
goals, organise
and plan, focus
our attention
and ultimately
get things done

Question 14

Maladaptive

Answer 14

a term used by psychologists to describe emotions, behaviours and cognitions that interfere with our ability to adjust to our environment appropriately and effectively

Question 15

Maladaptive behaviour

Answer 15

behaviour that is unhelpful, dysfunctional and nonproductive, and that interferes with a person’s
ability to adjust to their environment appropriately and effectively

Question 16

Maladaptive cognitions

Answer 16

cognitive distortions or irrational, inflated thoughts or beliefs that distort a person’s perception of reality, usually in a negative way

Question 17

Maladaptive emotions

Answer 17

very intense or overwhelming emotions that occur frequently, persist for extended periods of time without interruption or are inappropriate for the situation

Question 18

Neurodivergent

Answer 18

a term that is sometimes used to refer to people whose brains function differently to others’

Question 19

Neurodiverse

Answer 19

not neurotypical; functioning
outside the typical range of neurological development

Question 20

Neurodiversity

Answer 20

the idea that every human has a unique nervous system with a different combination of abilities and needs

Question 21

Neurotypical

Answer 21

an individual whose neurological development or functioning is within the typical (average) range

Question 22

Neurotypicality

Answer 22

standard or
typical brain
functioning,
processing and
behaviours

Question 23

Normality

Answer 23

patterns of
behaviour that
are typical and
expected, or
that conform
to standards
of what is
acceptable

Question 24

Personal distress

Answer 24

a state in
which a person
experiences
unpleasant
or upsetting
emotions, such
as sadness,
anxiety or feeling
overwhelmed

Question 25

Social norms

Answer 25

shared standards or social beliefs about what is normal, acceptable or typical behaviour

Question 26

Statistical rarity

Answer 26

a criterion that views abnormal or atypical behaviours as deviating significantly from the statistical average or mean

Question 27

Theory of mind

Answer 27

a cognitive ability that allows us to make judgements about other people’s mental states

Question 28

Typical behaviours

Answer 28

patterns of behaviour that are expected of an individual or that conform to standards of what is acceptable for a given situation

Question 29

Typical development

Answer 29

when behaviours, skills or abilities fall within the expected range of development or progress at a similar pace compared to peers of the same age

Question 30

Working memory

Answer 30

memory that allows us to process incoming sensory information

Question 31

Criteria for categorising typical and atypical behaviours

Answer 31

Cultural perspectives, social norms, maladaptive behaviours, personal distress, and statistical rarity