Abnormal Psych 247 Chapter 1

Abnormal Behavior

Behavior that is culturally inappropriate, is accompanied by subjective distress, and involves psychological impairment

Cultural Relativity

Different cultures may use different standards in defining abnormality

Paranoia

Unfounded, irrational, or exaggerated suspicion or mistrust of others

What should be considered when deciding if a behavior is culturally inappropriate?

The context in which the behavior occurs

Which of the following terms indicate that a behavior which may be abnormal in one cultural context might be acceptable in a different cultural context?

Cultural Relativity

Subjective Distress

Emotion or internal experience that is distressing to the individual but cannot be directly observed by others

Abnormal Behavior that would not include subjective distress

Sociopath who lacks remorse

Psychological Disability

Inability to cope with life’s demands and stresses, or difficulty in functioning in important daily social and interpersonal roles

Is there a clear separation between normal and abnormal behavior?

No, abnormality is a continuum from positive mental health at one end with extreme abnormality at the other end continuum

Naming Fallacy

The incorrect assumption that by applying a label or name to something, we have in some sense explained it

Diagnostic Reliability

Consistency and agreement between clinicians in use of a diagnostic label

Isabella was relieved when she was told by a therapist that she had an adjustment disorder. However, labeling her behavior as an adjustment disorder does not actually explain her behavior. What does this demonstrate?

Naming Fallacy

According to the DSM-5, which of the following is NOT included in the definition of a mental disorder?

Deviant political, religious, or sexual behavior

For a mental disorder to be considered "clinically significant", it would need to meet which of the following criteria?

The symptoms would have to be considered important and serious enough to presume that the individual would need help in managing the condition.

What is the term used when there is consistency and agreement between clinicians in diagnosing mental disorders?

Diagnostic reliability

Most common mental disorders

Anxiety disorders, mood disorders, impulse control disorders, and substance abuse disorders

A specific behavior is not determined to be culturally inappropriate by itself. What is an important criterion needed to determine if a behavior is culturally inappropriate?

The environment where the behavior happens

What does cultural relativity propose?

A behavior that is considered abnormal in one cultural context might be appropriate in a different cultural context.

A criterion for defining abnormal behavior that refers to distressing internal emotions and experiences which cannot be observed by others is known as _____.

Subjective distress

Marco is said to have a psychological disability and is not able to cope with life's stresses and demands. Would Marco's behavior be considered abnormal?

No, he would also need to have subjective distress and the behavior would need to be culturally inappropriate for it to be considered abnormal behavior

All of the following are concerns of the naming fallacy EXCEPT which of the following?
a

Generalizations

b

Labeling

c

Stigmatization

d

Need to explain the behavior

Generalizations

A mental disorder is a clinically significant syndrome that reflects a dysfunction involving

Disability in social, occupational, or other important activities.

Which of the following criteria is NOT included in the definition of a mental disorder as "clinically significant?"

a

There would have to be behavioral and psychological symptoms.

b

The individual would have to be required to seek outside help in managing the condition.

c

Significant personal distress that the individual usually cannot manage themselves

d

The syndrome is important and serious.

The individual would have to be required to seek outside help in managing the condition.

If John's psychiatrist and psychotherapist disagree on John's mental disorder diagnosis, what is not being met?

Diagnostic Reliability