PSYC 2030U - Definitions of Mental Illness and Abnormal Behavior

Flashcards covering key definitions and common misconceptions related to mental illness and abnormal behavior, as discussed in PSYC 2030U notes.

Misconception: Mental illness is due to emotional weakness

False. This is a common misconception about mental illness.

Misconception: Bad parenting is a major cause of mental illness

False. This is a common misconception about mental illness.

Misconception: Sinful behavior is responsible for much mental illness

False. This is a common misconception about mental illness.

Misconception: The mentally ill are more violent than "normal" people

False. People with psychological disorders being unstable and dangerous is a common belief, but examples like Vince Li are extremely rare.

Misconception: Mental illnesses are generally curable

False. This is a common misconception about mental illness.

Abnormal psychology

The branch of psychology that deals with the description, causes, and treatment of abnormal behaviour patterns.

Psychological disorder

Psychological dysfunction within an individual associated with distress or impairment in functioning and a response that is not typical or culturally expected.

Psychopathology

The scientific study of psychological disorders.

Disability or Dysfunction

A behaviour that causes impairment in some important area of life, such as work, personal relationships, or recreational activities.

Psychological dysfunction

A breakdown in cognitive, emotional, or behaviour functioning.

Personal Distress & Impairment

A behaviour that creates personal suffering, distress, or torment in the person. However, some disorders do not necessarily involve distress, and distress doesn't always indicate a disorder.

Atypical behaviour

A behaviour that occurs rarely or infrequently. Statistical infrequency is not always a sufficient marker for a psychological disorder (e.g., elite athletic ability).

Not culturally expected behaviour

A surprising or out-of-proportion response to environmental stressors, or a behaviour that defies social norms; its 'abnormality' is relative to one’s culture/group.

Indicators of Psychological Disorder (multi-criteria)

Usually determined by the presence of several characteristics at one time, including psychological dysfunction, personal distress & impairment, atypicality, and not culturally expected behaviour.

DSM-5-TR definition of Psychological Dysfunctions

Behavioural, psychological, or biological dysfunctions that are unexpected in their cultural context, and associated with present distress, impairment in functioning, or increased risk of suffering, death, pain or impairment.

Harmful dysfunction (Wakefield)

A psychological disorder that is 1) caused by a failure of one or more mechanisms to perform their evolved function and 2) the dysfunction produces harm or distress.

Behaviour that is 'beyond the individual’s control'

An alternative criterion for a psychological disorder, meaning the individual is experiencing something they don't want to think or feel.

Major Categories for Studying Psychological Disorders

Clinical description, Causation (etiology), and Treatment and outcome.