INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOPATHOLOGY Flashcards
Also referred to as _____ (literally: “pathology of the mind”) is the study of abnormal behavior.
Psychopathology
▪ It is the application of science in the study of mental disorders.
▪ It is the study of individuals with mental, emotional, and physical pain.
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY or Psychopathology
definitions of what is considered normal behavior describe it as behavior that is socially acceptable to the standards of the society. In short, if behavior is socially acceptable or conforming to the standards of society, then that behavior is normal.
▪ Normal Behavior
Criteria for Normality
- Normality is average
- Normality is social conformity
- Normality is personal comfort
what is accepted by the majority is considered normal. A problem in this definition is that not everything that is accepted by the majority can be considered normal.
Normality is average
Anyone who conforms to the standards of the society is considered normal. Two main problems in this definition put consideration to the Problem of Criminality and the Problem of Social Standards.
Normality is social conformity
If a person feels/experiences pleasure or comfort, then the behavior is considered normal. Likewise, if a person feels/experiences displeasure or discomfort, then that is considered abnormal. Issues with this definition include the Problem of Objective and Subjective Symptoms, the Pro
Normality is personal comfort
Other definitions for normality:
- Normality is Ideal
2. Normality is a process
Criteria for Stating what is Abnormal Behavior
- Cultural Relativism
- Unusualness
- Distress
- Mental Illness
- the view that there are no universal standards or rules for labeling a behavior as abnormal. Behaviors can only be considered abnormal based on or relative to cultural norms.
Cultural Relativism
– behaviors which are considered unusual or deviant are considered as abnormal behaviors. This is tied to cultural relativism since the culture dictates what is usual or unusual.
Unusualness
– behaviors should be considered abnormal only if the individual suffers distress and wishes to be rid of the behaviors.
Distress
– behaviors are not considered abnormal unless they are a part of a mental illness.
Mental Illness
Four D’s of Abnormal Behavior
- Dysfunction
- Distress
- Deviance
- Dangerousness
– behavior causes impairment in social and occupational functioning. This means that the behavior interferes with the person’s ability to form and maintain relationships or hold a job.
- Dysfunction
– Behaviors and feelings that cause distress to the individual or to others around him or her are also likely to be considered abnormal.
- Distress
– deviant and unusual behaviors lead to the judgment of abnormality.
- Deviance
– some behaviors and feelings are of potential harm to the individual, such as suicidal gestures, or to others, such as excessive aggression. Such dangerous behaviors and feelings are often seen as abnormal.
- Dangerousness
The accepted definition of abnormality/psychological disorder, used the DSM-5, describes
behavioral, psychological, or biological dysfunctions that are unexpected in their cultural context and associated with present distress and impairment in functioning, or increased risk of suffering, death, pain, or impairment.
___ saw that abnormal behavior is similar to physical disease, which is caused by a breakdown of the systems of the body. Because of that, the cure for abnormal behavior was to restore bodily health.
Biological Theories
the ___ saw abnormal behavior as a result of divine intervention, curses, demonic possession, or personal sin. To rid the person of such, they turn to religious rituals such as exorcism, confession, and atonement.
supernatural theories
the___ saw abnormal behavior as a result of traumas such as bereavement or chronic stress. In this model, rest, relaxation, and a change of environment can be helpful.
Psychological theories