Topic_1.1_What_Is_Abnormality

What is abnormal psychology?

The study of psychopathology (mental disorders).

What does 'psycho' refer to in the context of abnormal psychology?

It relates to the mind.

What does 'pathology' refer to in the context of abnormal psychology?

It refers to disorder.

What are the four Ds of abnormality?

Deviance, Distress, Dysfunctionality, Dangerousness.

What does deviance from the norm imply?

It means being unusual or different from others.

What is the distress perspective in abnormality?

It refers to physical or emotional pain caused to oneself or others.

What does dysfunctionality mean in terms of abnormality?

It interferes with a person's ability to function in daily life, work, or at school.

What does dangerousness refer to in the context of the Four Ds?

It refers to being dangerous to oneself or others.

How does culture influence what is considered deviant behavior?

Cultural norms influence what behaviors are seen as unusual or different.

What is an example of normal behavior based on the continuum model?

Thoughts that are typical for the social context and not distressing.

What characterizes behaviors on the abnormal end of the continuum model?

They are highly unusual, significantly distressing, significantly interfering, or very dangerous.

In the continuum model, what does the middle section represent?

Thoughts, feelings, behaviors that are somewhat unusual, distressing, interfering, or dangerous.

Why is it problematic to assume everything is normal or everything is abnormal?

It can lead to misunderstanding behaviors and mental health issues.

What is an example of potentially deviant behavior?

A tennis player who bounces the ball exactly 3 times before serving.

How might the behavior of a man who receives 30 speeding tickets be analyzed?

It can be assessed for deviance, distress, dysfunctionality, and dangerousness.

What does it mean if behavior is deemed distressing?

It causes physical or emotional pain to self or others.

What was Jennifer's change in weight and behavior an example of?

Potential abnormality due to drastic weight loss and obsession with being thinner.

How might Mark's drinking behavior be interpreted?

It may be seen as deviant, distressing, dysfunctional, or dangerous.

What does the term 'adequate functioning' relate to in abnormal psychology?

The ability to maintain social, work, or school interactions and responsibilities.

Can a behavior be considered abnormal if it does not encompass all four Ds?

Yes, a behavior does not need to meet all criteria to be considered abnormal.

What does the continuum model suggest about thoughts and behaviors?

They exist on a spectrum from normal to abnormal.

What kind of behaviors might be considered somewhat dangerous?

Behaviors that pose some risk to self or others, but not significantly so.

What is the perspective that considers how behaviors deviate from cultural norms?

The 'unusualness perspective' of deviance.

What is the significance of determining abnormality in psychology?

It helps in understanding mental disorders and guiding treatment.

In terms of the Four Ds, what is NOT necessary to establish abnormality?

Having all characteristics of the Four Ds.

What role do social norms play in defining abnormality?

They help determine what behaviors are accepted or deemed abnormal.

The continuum model results in what kind of understanding about abnormality?

A more nuanced understanding instead of a binary classification.

What might a person's ability to maintain relationships indicate about their behavior?

It can help determine if their behavior is dysfunctional.