Chapter 1 Abnormal Psychology Vocabulary

Key vocabulary terms and definitions from the chapters on the history, concepts, and current trends in abnormal psychology.

Abnormal psychology

The study of patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that diverge from cultural norms and cause distress or impairment; guided by the four Ds.

The 4 Ds

Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Danger.

Deviance

Behavior, thoughts, or emotions that markedly differ from a society’s norms.

Distress

Personal suffering or emotional pain associated with thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.

Dysfunction

Interference with daily functioning, such as self-care, work, or social relationships.

Danger

Behavior that may pose risk of harm to oneself or others; often considered the least common of the four Ds.

Psychopathology

The study of psychological disorders and maladaptive patterns of functioning.

Mental illness / Psychological disorder

Patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are clinically significant and distressful or impairing.

Treatment / Therapy

Systematic procedures designed to change abnormal behavior into more normal functioning.

Somatogenic perspective

The view that abnormal behavior is caused by biological or physical factors.

Psychogenic perspective

The view that abnormal behavior stems from psychological factors.

Trephination

An ancient procedure involving drilling or cutting holes in the skull to treat abnormal behavior.

Exorcism

Ritualistic attempts to drive out evil spirits believed to cause psychological symptoms.

Humors

Four bodily fluids (yellow bile, black bile, blood, phlegm) once thought to regulate mood and health.

Hippocrates

Ancient physician who linked mental illness to brain pathology and humor imbalances.

Demonology

Belief that abnormal behavior is caused by possession by demons; prominent in the Middle Ages.

Bedlam (Bethlehem Hospital)

Infamous medieval asylum in London symbolizing cruel, chaotic conditions.

Moral treatment

19th-century humane approach emphasizing kindness, activity, and respect for patients.

Pinel

Philippe Pinel, reformer who advanced moral treatment and humane care in asylums.

Dorothea Dix

Advocate who helped establish state mental hospitals and improved public care.

Deinstitutionalization

Mid-20th-century movement to release patients from public hospitals in favor of outpatient care.

Psychotropic medications

Drugs acting on the brain to reduce symptoms of mental illness (antipsychotics, antidepressants, anxiolytics).

Outpatient care

Treatment provided outside of inpatient facilities, often in community settings.

Community mental health approach

Treatment model focusing on community-based care and prevention rather than long-term hospitalization.

Parity laws

Laws requiring mental health coverage to be equal to physical health coverage by insurers.

Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Health reform expanding mental health coverage as an essential health benefit.

Managed care

Insurance-driven system controlling which providers are used, costs, and number of sessions.

Positive psychology

Study and promotion of positive feelings, strengths, and well-being to prevent mental disorders.

Multicultural psychology

Study of how culture, race, ethnicity, and social context influence mental health and treatment.

Mental health professionals (examples)

Professionals such as psychiatrists (MDs), psychologists (PhDs/EdDs), clinical social workers (MSW/DSW), counselors, marriage/family therapists who provide therapy.