Abnormal Psychology:
Key Concepts, Theories &
Brain Structures 2026 |
Study Guide, Practice
Questions, Answers,
Rationales & Exam Review
Updated Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
,Abnormal psychology The study of psychopathology (mental disorders).
Psychopathology Mental disorders; "psycho" = mind and "pathology" = disorder.
Psychology Study of the mind.
Psychosis/Psychotic Psychopathology involving symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
Why is defining abnormality important? Assuming everything is normal can cause underdiagnosis; assuming everything is
abnormal can cause stigma, labeling, and self-fulfilling prophecies.
Continuum model of abnormality Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors exist on a scale from normal to abnormal rather
than having a clear dividing line.
Normal end of continuum Behavior is typical for the social context, not distressing, does not interfere with
functioning, and is not dangerous.
Middle/gray area of continuum Thoughts, feelings, or behaviors may be somewhat unusual, distressing, interfering,
or dangerous.
Abnormal end of continuum Thoughts, feelings, or behaviors are highly unusual, significantly distressing,
significantly interfere with functioning, and/or are very dangerous.
What determines the cutoff between normal and There is no perfectly clear cutoff; societal and cultural factors influence it.
abnormal?
Four D's of abnormality Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, Dangerousness. You do NOT need all four, but
deviance alone cannot define abnormality.
Deviance Thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that are unusual or different from the norm.
, Unusualness perspective The idea that unusual/uncommon behavior is abnormal; problematic because
uncommon does not necessarily mean disordered.
Why can't deviance alone define abnormality? Some uncommon characteristics are positive or harmless, while some mental
disorders are relatively common.
Cultural relativism There are no universal standards for labeling behavior abnormal; behavior must be
considered relative to cultural norms.
Distress Physical or emotional pain caused to the individual or other people.
Distress perspective Behavior is considered abnormal when it causes physical/emotional pain to the
person or others and someone wants it reduced.
Problem with using distress alone Some disorders do not distress the person experiencing them; some primarily
distress others; and distress can be normal in situations such as grief.
Dysfunction Thoughts/behaviors interfere with a person's ability to function in daily life,
work/school, or relationships.
Dangerousness Behavior creates danger or potential physical harm to oneself or others.
Which Four D can sometimes indicate abnormality largely Dangerousness.
on its own?
Are the Four D's all-or-nothing? No. Each exists on a continuum; more severe forms are more likely to be
considered abnormal.
Key Concepts, Theories &
Brain Structures 2026 |
Study Guide, Practice
Questions, Answers,
Rationales & Exam Review
Updated Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
,Abnormal psychology The study of psychopathology (mental disorders).
Psychopathology Mental disorders; "psycho" = mind and "pathology" = disorder.
Psychology Study of the mind.
Psychosis/Psychotic Psychopathology involving symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
Why is defining abnormality important? Assuming everything is normal can cause underdiagnosis; assuming everything is
abnormal can cause stigma, labeling, and self-fulfilling prophecies.
Continuum model of abnormality Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors exist on a scale from normal to abnormal rather
than having a clear dividing line.
Normal end of continuum Behavior is typical for the social context, not distressing, does not interfere with
functioning, and is not dangerous.
Middle/gray area of continuum Thoughts, feelings, or behaviors may be somewhat unusual, distressing, interfering,
or dangerous.
Abnormal end of continuum Thoughts, feelings, or behaviors are highly unusual, significantly distressing,
significantly interfere with functioning, and/or are very dangerous.
What determines the cutoff between normal and There is no perfectly clear cutoff; societal and cultural factors influence it.
abnormal?
Four D's of abnormality Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, Dangerousness. You do NOT need all four, but
deviance alone cannot define abnormality.
Deviance Thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that are unusual or different from the norm.
, Unusualness perspective The idea that unusual/uncommon behavior is abnormal; problematic because
uncommon does not necessarily mean disordered.
Why can't deviance alone define abnormality? Some uncommon characteristics are positive or harmless, while some mental
disorders are relatively common.
Cultural relativism There are no universal standards for labeling behavior abnormal; behavior must be
considered relative to cultural norms.
Distress Physical or emotional pain caused to the individual or other people.
Distress perspective Behavior is considered abnormal when it causes physical/emotional pain to the
person or others and someone wants it reduced.
Problem with using distress alone Some disorders do not distress the person experiencing them; some primarily
distress others; and distress can be normal in situations such as grief.
Dysfunction Thoughts/behaviors interfere with a person's ability to function in daily life,
work/school, or relationships.
Dangerousness Behavior creates danger or potential physical harm to oneself or others.
Which Four D can sometimes indicate abnormality largely Dangerousness.
on its own?
Are the Four D's all-or-nothing? No. Each exists on a continuum; more severe forms are more likely to be
considered abnormal.
