www.soran.edu.iq general psychology firouz meroei milan abnormality 1
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Looking at Abnormality
Definitions and History of Abnormal Psychology
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How do we determine what isabnormal behavior?
• In one situation, behaviors may seem normal and in others abnormal.
• Context is key: Whether or not a behavior is abnormal can only be determined through a consideration of the context in which it occurs.
• What about function?
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Standards for what is normal and abnormal
• Cultural relativism• Unusualness of behavior• Discomfort of the person exhibiting the
behavior• Mental illness• Maladaptiveness
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Standard 1: Cultural Relativism • No universal standards or rules for labeling a behavior as
abnormal.
• Instead, behaviors can only be abnormal relative to cultural norms (culturally-sanctioned behaviors).
• Culture: Ethnicity, gender, sexuality, etc.
• Limitations of this approach.
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Standard 2: Unusualness
• Is the behavior rare?(Depends in part on the norms for that behavior
in a culture.)• Just because a behavior is rare does not
mean it is problematic.• Non-rare behaviors may also be
abnormal in one situation and not in another.
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Standard 3: Discomfort• Proponents of this view argue that a behavior is
only abnormal if the individual suffers as a result of the behavior(s) and wishes to be rid of them.
• Some therapists object to the subjective discomfort criterion because people are not always aware of problems that their behavior may create for themselves or others.
• Inconsistent with newer, acceptance-based approaches.
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Standard 4: Mental Illness
• Is the behavior caused by an identifiable disease?
• There is no medical test that identifies this process if it does exist.
• Causality of brain dysfunction in abnormal behavior (e.g., PTSD).
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Standard 5: Maladaptiveness
• Dysfunction- Does the behavior prevent normal daily functioning?
• Distress- Does the person suffer distress?
• Deviance- Is the behavior highly unusual?
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Function of Behavior
• In understanding “maladaptive behavior,” it is important to also consider the function of the behavior.
• Similar behaviors may serve different functions depending upon the person.
• What is maladaptive in one context may not be in another.
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Modern Perspectives
• Classification systems using objective criteria and definitions, along with the discovery of syphilis as the cause of general paresis, gave credence to biological factors as a cause of abnormality.
• Even in modern times, psychology has a history of providing cruel and inhumane treatment.
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Modern Perspectives, continued
• Psychoanalytic perspective focused on the role of the unconscious
• Behaviorism examined the role of reinforcement and punishment in determining behavior
• Cognitive approach recognized that how people think about their world determines their emotions and behaviors