Module 1 Flashcards
What are the six possible criterias for Abnormal Behaviour?
- Abnormal behaviour is behaviour that is statistically rare.
- Abnormal behaviour is behaviour that is socially or culturally unacceptable.
- Abnormal behaviour is behaviour that causes a lot of discomfort or distress.
- Abnormal behaviour is behaviour that is maladaptive.
- Abnormal behaviour is behaviour that poses a risk to the self or others.
- Abnormal behaviour is behaviour that reflects “harmful dysfunction.”
What are the four problems with Criterion 1: Behaviour that is Statistically Rare?
Problem 1: There are many examples of uncommon or atypical behaviours or traits that we definitely do not label or diagnose as “abnormal” (Wakefield, 1992).
Problem 2: There are many examples of “abnormalities” that actually are very common.
Problem 3: There is a need to account for the sociocultural context in which the behaviour is occurring. A behaviour may be typical in one context, but that same behaviour may be considered highly unusual in another context.
Problem 4: Even if we could agree that statistically rare or unusual behaviours are “abnormal” or “disordered,” there still would be a need to decide on a statistical cut point.
Give examples of Problem 1: There are many examples of uncommon or atypical behaviours or traits that we definitely do not label or diagnose as “abnormal” (Wakefield, 1992). of Behaviour that is Statistically Rare
Olympians have unusual athletic prowess.
Piano virtuosos have unusual musical abilities.
Some people have unusual interests or hobbies.
A small proportion of the population has an unusually high intelligence quotient (IQ).
We might label these characteristics or behaviours as “quirks,” “gifts,” or “talents” but not “disorders.”
Give examples of Problem 2: There are many examples of “abnormalities” that actually are very common. of Behaviour that is Statistically Rare.
Here is an example: there is a general consensus that colds and flus represent deviations from a “normal” state of health; yet, these medical conditions are incredibly common in the population (Lilienfeld & Marino, 1995).
Give examples of Problem 3: There is a need to account for the sociocultural context in which the behaviour is occurring. A behaviour may be typical in one context, but that same behaviour may be considered highly unusual in another context. of Behaviour that is Statistically Rare.
Here is an example: In some cultures, outward expressions of mourning (e.g., wailing in public for many days) is considered appropriate and expected; whereas in cultures wherein mourning is private and quiet, such displays might be considered abnormal (Nolen-Hoeksema & Marroquin, 2020).
Give examples of Problem 4: Even if we could agree that statistically rare or unusual behaviours are “abnormal” or “disordered,” there still would be a need to decide on a statistical cut point. of Behaviour that is Statistically Rare.
Suppose 10% of the population report having a certain experience, do we call that “rare,” or relatively common? How about if it is 2% of the population? Or 20%?
What are the 3 issues with Criterion 2, Behaviour that is Socially or Culturally Unacceptable?
Problem 1: Right at the outset, there is a need to define “culture.”
Problem 2: There is no such thing as a “universal” norm for any single behaviour; norms are relative and because of that, abnormal behaviour can be determined only in relation to cultural norms. This is called the cultural relativism argument. What this means is that there is no example of a behaviour that is universally and categorical abnormal or pathological.?
Problem 3: Sociocultural norms change over time. From one generation to the next, a behaviour that was considered abnormal or disordered, can become normal.
Explain Problem 1: Right at the outset, there is a need to define “culture.” of Criterion 2, Behaviour that is Socially or Culturally Unacceptable
Most people operate in one or more cultures at the same time—what happens if one behaviour is entirely consistent with one culture they belong to, but is unusual in the other culture they also belong to?
Provide examples of Problem 2: There is no such thing as a “universal” norm of Behaviour that is Socially or Culturally Unacceptable
Not eating or drinking
Could be for religious reasons (Ramadan), not always a self-harming act
Give examples of Problem 3: Sociocultural norms change over time. of Criterion 2, Behaviour that is Socially or Culturally Unacceptable
homosexuality” was once a diagnosis in the second edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-II; American Psychiatric Association, 1968), reflecting harmful and stigmatizing cultural attitudes.
In the fifth edition of the DSM, published in 2013, Internet Gaming Disorder appeared for the first time; before the existence of widespread access to the Internet, this disorder, by definition, could not have existed. It is not yet a bonafide disorder in the DSM, but it likely will be, as it appears as a diagnosis in the International Classification of Diseases (the World Health Organization’s manual of medical and psychiatric conditions).
How does criterion 3 get around the issues associated with the cultural norm criterion?
If a person’s behaviour is not consistent with sociocultural norms, but they are neither distressed nor uncomfortable with their behaviour, then accordingly their behaviour should not be considered abnormal. This criterion gets a little closer to what is used in current practice to diagnose psychological disorders, but it too has its problems
What is the one issue with Criterion 3, Behaviour that Causes Significant Discomfort or Distress to the Individual?
Problem 1: The main problem with this criterion is that it is entirely possible for people to be displaying or engaging in clinically-significant behaviour, without being bothered or distressed by it.
What are some example of the issue with Criterion 3: Behaviour that Causes Significant Discomfort or Distress to the Individual
Many people with substance-use disorders report not being distressed or uncomfortable with their addictions, even when these addictions are severe and clearly interfering with their functioning at work, at school, or in their relationships
The same is true of personailty disorders
- This is because they often lack insight into their own behaviour and do not even recognize these difficulties to be present. For example, one study (Marissen et al., 2012) showed that although people with narcissistic personality disorder report themselves to be sensitive to other people’s emotions, when shown emotional facial expressions, they show difficulty accurately labeling the emotions
Hoarding disorder is a good example of a psychological disorder that violates the discomfort criterion.
(Rachman et al., 2009).
- Individuals who hoard report sentimental attachment to their possessions and not being bothered by their living conditions. Commonly, it is those living with the individual who hoards, who report being highly distressed and uncomfortable by the cluttered conditions.
What are the two problems with Criterion 4: Behaviour that is Maladaptive?
Problem 1: Many people with psychological disorders do not experience a degree of impairment that leads to interference in their ability to function.
Problem 2: Can you think of any objective criteria for normal, healthy function
Provide some examples of Problem 1: Many people with psychological disorders do not experience a degree of impairment that leads to interference in their ability to function. of Criterion 4: Behaviour that is Maladaptive.
Some individuals with chronic depression are still able to work or perform well at school.
Generalized anxiety disorder, a condition characterized by chronic and uncontrollable worrying and anxiety is not always accompanied by clear signs of impairment;
- rather, individuals with this condition usually describe a quality of life impairment as a result of their chronic worry, which means typically that they are not enjoying life as much as they could be or not living life in accordance with their personal goals and values
