Chapter 1 |
February 4, 2025 -
The 4D’s of Abnormal Behavior
1. Deviance
Behavior that significantly deviates from cultural, social, or societal norms or behavioral functioning.
Key Considerations:
Context and culture influence what is considered deviant.
Behavior that may seem abnormal in one culture may be acceptable in another.
Example: Hearing voices might be considered abnormal in most Western societies but could be interpreted as spiritual communication in some indigenous cultures.
2. Dysfunction
Behavior that interferes with a person's ability to function in daily life, including work, relationships, and self-care.
Key Considerations:
Dysfunctional behavior prevents individuals from meeting their basic needs or fulfilling their roles in society.
It often impairs productivity or the ability to maintain meaningful relationships.
Example: A person with severe anxiety who cannot leave their home for work or social engagements.
3. Distress
Behavior or symptoms that cause significant emotional pain or suffering to the individual or those around them.
Key Considerations:
Subjective experience of distress is crucial in diagnosis.
Not all distressing emotions (e.g., grief) are pathological unless they become prolonged or impair functioning.
Example: A person experiencing chronic sadness, hopelessness, and crying spells may be distressed by these emotions, pointing to a possible depressive disorder.
4. Danger
Behavior that poses a risk of harm to the individual or others.
Key Considerations:
Danger can include suicidal tendencies, self-harm, or violent behavior toward others.
The level of danger must be assessed to ensure safety and appropriate intervention.
Example: A person exhibiting aggressive behavior and threats toward others may be a danger to their environment.
Examples Cases
Scenario: Maria, a 30-year-old, has stopped attending work and isolates herself due to intense fear of contamination. She compulsively washes her hands over 50 times a day, leading to raw, painful skin.
Answer: Deviance
Because her excessive handwashing deviates from what is normal
Scenario: Lily, a 27-year-old teacher, has become unable to manage her daily responsibilities. She skips work regularly, avoids grading assignments, and isolates herself in her apartment. She struggles to get out of bed and has neglected her personal hygiene.
Answers: Dysfunction, Distress
She feels hopeless and overwhelmed, does cant manage her daily responsibilities
Scenario: Jake, a 19-year-old college student, has developed a severe fear of public speaking. The thought of presenting in front of his class causes intense anxiety, nausea, and trembling. Jake has started skipping classes to avoid presentations.
Answers - Dysfunction, Distress
Scenario: Carla, a 32-year-old nurse, has been experiencing feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. She has recently begun expressing thoughts of ending her life to friends. Carla has purchased pills and written a note, indicating she is preparing to attempt suicide.
Answers: Danger, Distress
Scenario: Carla, a 32-year-old nurse, has been experiencing feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. She has recently begun expressing thoughts of ending her life to friends. Carla has purchased pills and written a note, indicating she is preparing to attempt suicide.
Answers: Danger, Distress, Dysfunction
Scenario: Sam, a 25-year-old software engineer, has recently started hearing voices telling him he is being followed by the government. He avoids public places, refuses to use his phone or email, and has begun covering his apartment windows with aluminum foil. His behavior has caused him to miss work deadlines and alienate his friends.
Answers: Deviance, Dysfunction, Distress
Additional Notes
Psychological Problem - personality but does not guarantee the need of urgent psychological help
Those who try to commit suicide feel like they have no choice