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Chapter 1: Looking at Abnormality

  • Examines the various aspects and definitions of abnormal psychology.

Defining Abnormality

  • Historical Perspectives on Abnormality: Evolution of definitions and treatments over time.

  • The Emergence of Modern Perspectives: Transition from historical views to contemporary understandings.

  • Modern Mental Health Care: Overview of current mental health practices and theories.

Understanding Abnormality

  • Continuum Model of Abnormality: No clear distinction exists between normal and abnormal behaviors.

    • Abnormality exists on a continuum influenced by:

      • Dysfunction: Impacts daily functioning.

      • Distress: Causes emotional or physical pain.

      • Deviance: Falls outside cultural norms.

      • Dangerousness: Poses risks to self or others.

Psychopathology

  • Study of abnormal psychology involves:

    • Mental pain

    • Emotional pain

    • Physical pain

  • Symptomatic Nature: Referred to as psychopathology with emphasis on overlapping experiences.

Cultural Norms and Abnormality

  • Cultural Influences:

    • Defines acceptable vs. unacceptable behaviors.

    • Cultural relativism: What is abnormal in one culture may be normal in another.

  • Gender Role Expectations: Affect definitions of abnormal behaviors.

The Four Ds of Abnormality

  • Dysfunction: Impacts day-to-day functioning.

  • Distress: Emotional or physical pain endured by individual.

  • Deviance: Behavior that deviates from societal norms.

  • Dangerousness: Behavior that is harmful to self or others.

Historical Perspectives

  • Biological Theories: Views abnormal behavior as akin to physical diseases caused by body dysfunction.

  • Supernatural Theories: Abnormality linked to divine forces or supernatural events.

  • Psychological Theories: Focus on trauma or chronic stress as root causes.

Ancient Theories of Abnormality

  • Prehistoric Views: Supernatural explanations; treatments such as exorcism.

  • Ancient Chinese Perspective: Imbalance between yin and yang causes mental states; emotional health linked to organs.

  • Greek and Roman Views: Emphasis on biological causes, rejection of supernatural explanations.

Medieval Views and Treatment

  • Abnormal behavior often viewed as witchcraft.

  • Treatment involved confinement to asylums; individuals often mistreated.

Moral Treatment Movement

  • Emergence of more humane approaches to mental illness in the 18th and 19th centuries.

    • Emphasis on natural living environments for recovery.

    • Mental hygiene movement aimed to improve treatment conditions.

Emergence of Modern Perspectives

  • Development of:

    • Biological Perspectives: Understanding mental illness through biological symptoms.

    • Psychological Perspectives: Addressing psychological conflicts and trauma.

    • Social Perspectives: Considering social influences on mental health.

Key Figures in Abnormal Psychology

  • Wilhelm Griesinger: Linked brain pathology to psychological disorders.

  • Kraepelin: Classified disorders based on distinct symptoms.

  • Mesmer: Introduced magnetic disturbance as a cause of abnormal behavior.

Psychoanalytic Theory

  • Sigmund Freud: Explored unconscious conflicts; introduced talk therapy as a treatment method.

Behaviorism and Cognition

  • Behaviorism: Focuses on behavorial responses shaped by environmental reinforcements.

    • Classical conditioning and learned responses linked to abnormal behaviors.

  • Cognitive Theories: Highlight the role of distorted thinking in abnormal behaviors.

Modern Mental Health Care

  • Significant drug treatment developments and patient rights movements.

  • Deinstitutionalization: Shift towards community-based treatment, allowing patients to reintegrate into society.

Community Mental Health Movement

  • Initiatives to provide comprehensive mental health services at the community level.

    • Halfway houses and day treatment centers aim to create supportive environments for recovery.

Challenges in Mental Health Care

  • Inadequate resources and funding continue to impact care quality.

  • Managed Care: Companies coordinate patient care, presenting both benefits and hurdles related to coverage.

Professional Roles in Abnormal Psychology

  • Psychiatrists: MD trained in mental health treatment.

  • Clinical Psychologists: PhD specialized in research and therapy.

  • Clinical Social Workers & Counselors: Focus on social conditions affecting mental health.

Integrationist Approach to Understanding Mental Health

  • Emphasizes interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors.

  • Modern theories advocate for a holistic understanding of mental health issues.