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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.