Abnormal Psychology Exam Prep | Key Definitions, Models & Psychological Disorders
Suicide Statistics More than 703,000 people die because of suicide
every year (WHO).
Suicide Frequency 1 person dies every 40 seconds because of suicide.
Suicide Attempts In 1 adult who died by suicide, 20 others attempt
suicide.
Social Norm Deviance Something that goes against the standards of the
society or a community.
Examples of Social Norm Deviance Marrying a doll, eating something that is a non-food
substance.
Antisocial Behavior A person with no conscience who loves to inflict harm
on others.
Subjective Discomfort Emotional pain; abnormality creates suffering or
distress.
Example of Subjective Discomfort Depression - suffers extreme sadness, isolation,
feeling of worthlessness.
Inability to Function Normally Also means maladaptive behavior.
Maladaptive Behavior The person could not cope healthily or what is
expected in his or her developmental level.
Example of Maladaptive Behavior A 6-year-old should be expected to interact or play
with peers.
,Abnormal Psychology Exam Prep | Key Definitions, Models & Psychological Disorders
Threat/Harm The negative risks or outcomes of subjective
discomfort or maladaptive behavior.
Final Definition of Abnormality Any pattern of behavior that causes significant
distress, harm to self or others, or harms ability to
function in daily life.
Definition of Abnormality Spotting and identifying something different from a
person; what is against or beyond the normal of a
society or culture.
Anorexia Nervosa An eating disorder in which a person eats very little
due to an intense fear of gaining weight.
PICA Eating disorder in which a person repeatedly eats
things that are not food and have no nutritional value.
Prevalence Rate of PICA 8% prevalence rate.
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Mental disorder in which a person has two or more
distinct identities or personality states.
Prevalence Rate of DID 2% prevalence rate.
Agoraphobia An anxiety disorder in which a person has an intense
fear of being in places or situations where escape
might be difficult.
Normal Behavior Frequently occurring behavior.
Abnormal Behavior Infrequent and rare behavior.
, Abnormal Psychology Exam Prep | Key Definitions, Models & Psychological Disorders
Four Domains of Abnormality (4 D's) Deviance, distress, dysfunction, danger.
Deviance Goes different or opposed to the normality of
standards.
Distress The feeling of discomfort.
Dysfunction Affects day-to-day responsibilities.
Danger Life-threatening or urgent concern.
Arbitrary Decision Cognitive distortion where a person makes a
conclusion without enough evidence.
Normality Social conformity, personal comfort, and a process
that is interchangeable depending on context.
Factors Influencing Social Attitudes Range from discomfort to prejudice.
Language People will be uncomfortable in disclosing their
disorder due to foul language from others.
Stereotypes False beliefs about people with psychological
disorders, such as assuming they are dangerous or
weak.
Humor Making jokes about mental illness can trivialize
disorders and discourage treatment.
Suicide Statistics More than 703,000 people die because of suicide
every year (WHO).
Suicide Frequency 1 person dies every 40 seconds because of suicide.
Suicide Attempts In 1 adult who died by suicide, 20 others attempt
suicide.
Social Norm Deviance Something that goes against the standards of the
society or a community.
Examples of Social Norm Deviance Marrying a doll, eating something that is a non-food
substance.
Antisocial Behavior A person with no conscience who loves to inflict harm
on others.
Subjective Discomfort Emotional pain; abnormality creates suffering or
distress.
Example of Subjective Discomfort Depression - suffers extreme sadness, isolation,
feeling of worthlessness.
Inability to Function Normally Also means maladaptive behavior.
Maladaptive Behavior The person could not cope healthily or what is
expected in his or her developmental level.
Example of Maladaptive Behavior A 6-year-old should be expected to interact or play
with peers.
,Abnormal Psychology Exam Prep | Key Definitions, Models & Psychological Disorders
Threat/Harm The negative risks or outcomes of subjective
discomfort or maladaptive behavior.
Final Definition of Abnormality Any pattern of behavior that causes significant
distress, harm to self or others, or harms ability to
function in daily life.
Definition of Abnormality Spotting and identifying something different from a
person; what is against or beyond the normal of a
society or culture.
Anorexia Nervosa An eating disorder in which a person eats very little
due to an intense fear of gaining weight.
PICA Eating disorder in which a person repeatedly eats
things that are not food and have no nutritional value.
Prevalence Rate of PICA 8% prevalence rate.
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Mental disorder in which a person has two or more
distinct identities or personality states.
Prevalence Rate of DID 2% prevalence rate.
Agoraphobia An anxiety disorder in which a person has an intense
fear of being in places or situations where escape
might be difficult.
Normal Behavior Frequently occurring behavior.
Abnormal Behavior Infrequent and rare behavior.
, Abnormal Psychology Exam Prep | Key Definitions, Models & Psychological Disorders
Four Domains of Abnormality (4 D's) Deviance, distress, dysfunction, danger.
Deviance Goes different or opposed to the normality of
standards.
Distress The feeling of discomfort.
Dysfunction Affects day-to-day responsibilities.
Danger Life-threatening or urgent concern.
Arbitrary Decision Cognitive distortion where a person makes a
conclusion without enough evidence.
Normality Social conformity, personal comfort, and a process
that is interchangeable depending on context.
Factors Influencing Social Attitudes Range from discomfort to prejudice.
Language People will be uncomfortable in disclosing their
disorder due to foul language from others.
Stereotypes False beliefs about people with psychological
disorders, such as assuming they are dangerous or
weak.
Humor Making jokes about mental illness can trivialize
disorders and discourage treatment.
