Intro to Abnormal Psych

Question 1

methods for defining abnormality

Answer 1

1) statistical concept
2) Personal Distress
3) Personal dysfunction
4) Violation of norms
5) diagnosis of an expert

Question 2

Statistical Concept

Answer 2

Looking at stats a normal distribution

where is the cut off for abnormal functioning comparing to the population

Question 3

Personal Distress

Answer 3

is person distressed by thoughts and behaviour?

• We can’t rely on this for all disorders however, because anti-social personality disorder person doesn’t feel distressed
• Personal distress can be apart of daily life

Question 4

Personal Dysfunction

Answer 4

• Behaviour and/or thoughts negatively impact a persons ability to function
• not clear how much dysfunction needs to be present in relationships, responsibilities etc.

Question 5

Violation of Norms

Answer 5

• Violating normal functioning
• Norms can vary from time, place, group, culture
• challenging to know what’s considered normal

Question 6

Diagnosis by an Expert

Answer 6

• Application of the criteria outlined in major classification systems
• DSM 5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
• International Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders (ICD-10)