Abnormality
Understanding Abnormal Psychology
The importance of diagnosing disorders.
Family aggregation: Do disorders run in families?
Issues of mental health, including the complexities of individual cases.
Case Illustrations
Monique: Concern about a possible alcohol problem.
Scott: Hearing voices indicative of schizophrenia, which typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood.
The impact of mental disorders on individual lives and the need for compassion and inquiry from clinicians.
Research in Abnormal Psychology
Research is fundamental for progress in understanding mental disorders.
Importance of scientific inquiry and observation in studying abnormal behavior.
Clinicians rely on research to guide effective treatment selections.
Defining Abnormality
Lack of Universal Agreement: No single definition of abnormality or mental disorder is universally accepted.
The challenge of defining abnormality stems from the complexity of human behavior.
Indicators of Abnormality
Subjective Distress: Psychological pain indicating abnormality; however, it's not always present (e.g., manic patients).
Maladaptiveness: Behaviors that interfere with wellbeing (e.g., anorexia); however, some abnormal behaviors can be adaptive for the individual (e.g., con artists).
Statistical Deviancy: Uncommon behaviors may not always indicate abnormality (e.g., genius vs. intellectual disability).
Violation of Societal Standards: Abnormality is often recognized when someone breaks societal norms; context is crucial.
Social Discomfort: Violating unwritten social rules may create unease (e.g., someone sitting too close on a bus).
Irrationality and Unpredictability: Behaviors that are nonsensical or unexpected (e.g., outbursts) are often labeled abnormal.
Dangerousness: While dangerous behavior may imply mental illness, not all dangerous individuals are mentally ill, nor are all mentally ill individuals dangerous.
Cultural and Social Considerations
Definitions of abnormal behavior are influenced by cultural and societal shifts.
Examples: Historical context of the classification of homosexuality as a disorder.
Norms change over time (e.g., tattoos, body piercings) affecting perceptions of abnormality.