Definitions of Abnormal Behaviour L1WK1

Lecture 1 – Definitions of Abnormal Behaviour?

• Introduction to Psychopathology
  • The lecture addresses the complexities of defining abnormal behavior, distinguishing it from cultural differences or mere eccentricity.
  • Asks questions to prompt the audience to consider what is consisdered abnormal: eating bugs? Marrying a cousin? Hearing spirits?
  • The course will cover the scientific definition, assessment, research, and treatment of psychopathology.
  • Psychopathology: From Greek words "psycho" (soul) and "pathos" (suffering); "-ology" (logos = "to study").
  • "Psychopathology" and "abnormal psychology" are used interchangeably.

Defining Abnormality

• The Abstract Nature of "Abnormal"

  • "Abnormal" is an abstract construct, like "Love".
  • No single, perfect definition exists.
  • Psychologists use a combination of factors to define abnormality.
  • Implicit assumption: "abnormal" is undesirable, necessitating change.

• Violation of Social Norms

  • Social norms govern acceptable behavior in a society.
  • Violating these norms may indicate mental illness.
  • Social norms vary across cultures, making this definition problematic.
    • Eating spiders: culturally acceptable in some societies, a sign of psychosis in others.
  • Some social norms are nearly universal, but violations don't always indicate mental illness.
    • Killing one's child: globally condemned but not always due to mental illness (e.g., ancient Spartans abandoning sick babies).
    • Post-natal depression: thoughts of killing her baby would be considered abnormal even if she never acts on those thoughts.
  • Violating social norms can play a role in Cultural Revolution.
    • Eddie Mabo, Rosa Parks, Joan of Arc: deliberately upset the status quo for the benefit of society.

• Statistical Abnormality

  • Measuring behaviors statistically to define abnormality.
  • Normal: behaviors within a certain range.
  • Abnormal: behaviors outside that range.
  • Limitations:
    • Remarkable individuals (Olympians, child prodigies, astronauts) would be pathologized.
    • Mental illness itself would not be considered abnormal in Australia because nearly half of the population will experience it.

• Distress and Disability

  • Classifying abnormality based on distress or disability (impairment of ambitions).
  • Exceptions exist:
    • Antisocial personality disorder: may not be distressed when committing murder.
    • Loss of a loved one: distress is normal.
    • Ballet dancer who becomes quadriplegic: devastating obstruction to their ambitions but the physical aspects of their disability are probably outside the realms of psychology.

DSM-5 Definition

• The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) considers various factors:
  • Significant difficulty in thinking, feeling, or behaving.
  • Symptoms are maladaptive and usually distressing to the individual or those around them.
  • Symptoms often impair social or occupational functioning.
  • Symptoms often violate social norms but are not solely due to social deviance or cultural differences.

Summary of Lecture

• What psychopathology is
• Different ways we define abnormality
• An introduction to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders.
• The DSM-5 criteria will be discussed in more detail in the next video.