Past and Present Flashcards
Psychological abnormality is result of a state referred to as
psychopathology ,maladjustment ,emotional disturbance or mental illness
Abnormal Psychology is
the scientific study that helps describe , predict ,explain and change of abnormal patterns of functioning
What are the four definitions that help begin the exploration of abnormal psychology
deviant ,distressing , dysfunctional and (possibly) dangerous
Deviance is
a behavior that does not conform to the norms of a particular culture or society
Distress is
a behavior, ideas or emotions that usually cause distress before being considered abnormal
Dysfunction is
an interference with daily functioning
ex: upsets, distracts or confuses people that cannot care for themselves
Danger
behavior that becomes dangerous to oneself or others
ex: behavior that is consistently careless ,hostile, or confused that can place themselves or those around at risk
Eccentric is
a person who deviates from common behavior patterns or displays odd or whimsical behavior
(but not abnormal)
ex: Steve Jobs would put his feet in toilet water to relieve stress.
According to researcher David Weeks (2015) in Abnormal Psychology by Ronald J. Comer 10th ed., 15 characteristics common in eccentrics in his study are
non-conformity, creativity , strong curiosity, idealism ,extreme interests ,hobbies ,lifelong awareness of being different ,high intelligence, outspokenness, non-competitiveness ,unusual eating, living habits, disinterest in others opinions or company, mischievous sense of humor, non-marriage ,eldest, only child, poor spelling skills
Weeks suggested eccentrics do not suffer from mental disorders because
odd behavior is chosen freely and provides pleasure.
They have fewer emotional problems than general population.
Unusual behavior of person with mental disorder causes unwanted and unwarranted suffering.
Treatment
a systematic procedure designed to change abnormal behavior into a “normal behavior”. Also referred to as therapy.
According to Jerome Frank, what three shared essential features do all forms of therapy have ?
A sufferer , who’s in search of relief from healer
A trained, socially accepted healer who is accepted by sufferer and general population
A series of contacts between healer and sufferer to invoke changes in sufferers emotional state, attitudes and behavior.
Who was the 1st physician to specialize in mental illness
German Physician Johann Weyer (1515-1588)
Considered founder of modern study of psychopathology.
He believed the mind was equally susceptible to illness as the body.
Who helped start the improved care and treatment of people with mental disorders ?
Dorothea Dix (1802-1887) who made human care a public and political concern in the US. This led to new laws and greater government funding to support the treatment of people with mental disorders.
somatogenic perspective
view that abnormal functioning has physical causes
