Normal/Abnormal Behavior - Exam 4

Question 1

How do people classify mental disorders?

Answer 1

Through the use of the DSM (a book/document that describes 400+ psychological disorders)

Question 2

Pros/Cons of the DSM?

Answer 2

pro: reliable document, can help guide treatment decisions
con: labels can be harmful/perpetuate stereotypes, everyone could be labeled having something, is it really all inclusive?

Question 3

abnormal behavior definition?

Answer 3

behavior that is atypical, maladaptive, socially unacceptable & produces emotional discomfort

Question 4

Criteria used to distinguish between normal/abnormal behavior

Answer 4

whether it’s:

• atypical
• dysfunctional
• (emotionally) distressful
• dangerous

Question 5

atypicality explanation

Answer 5

rarity alone is not good enough to classify as abnormal, must be paired with something else

Question 6

dysfunctional explanation

Answer 6

impedes individuals’ ability to function in their desired roles in society

Question 7

distressful explanation

Answer 7

anxiety/depression/agitation

Question 8

dangerousness

Answer 8

• may be dangerous to theirs/other’s safety/well-being

* * not necessary nor sufficient criterion for diagnosing mental illness

Question 9

People with mental illness are at a _____ risk for being victims of _______ (____ __________) ______ more likely than the general population.

Answer 9

• higher
• violent crimes
• than perpetrating
• 2.5x