Abnormal Psychology Key
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,What makes defining abnormality difficult? There is no single definition; it depends on dysfunction, distress, atypicality, and
cultural context.
What is the accepted definition of a psychological Psychological dysfunction with distress or impairment that is atypical or culturally
disorder? unexpected.
What is abnormal behavior? Actions that are unexpected or evaluated negatively because they differ from typical
behavior.
Psychological Dysfunction Abnormal functioning involving cognition, emotion, or behavior.
Distress Extreme upset or suffering associated with psychological symptoms.
Impairment Difficulty functioning in important life areas like work, relationships, or school.
Why is culture important when defining abnormality? Behavior must be interpreted within a person's cultural context to judge normal
expectations.
Atypical / Culturally Unexpected Behavior Behavior differing from cultural norms; helps define abnormality but alone doesn't
prove disorder.
Psychopathology The scientific study of psychological disorders.
Etiology The causes or reasons why a psychological disorder begins.
Prevalence The total number of existing cases in a population during a given timeframe.
Incidence The number of new cases developing in a population during a specified period.
, Prevalence vs. Incidence Prevalence measures total existing cases; incidence measures newly occurring
cases.
Acute Onset A disorder that begins suddenly.
Insidious Onset A disorder that develops gradually over time.
Course of a Disorder How a disorder develops or changes over time (episodic, time-limited, or chronic).
Prognosis The predicted future course or likely outcome of a disorder.
What was the supernatural tradition? Belief that abnormal behavior was caused by demonic possession, witchcraft, or
evil forces.
How did supernatural explanations affect treatment of Treatments focused on exorcism, rituals, and torture rather than scientific care.
mental illness?
What was the biological tradition? The view that psychological disorders result from physical or biological causes.
What was the humoral theory of psychological disorders? Historical belief that functioning depended on balancing four fluids: blood, phlegm,
black/yellow bile.
Who was Dr. John P. Grey? A 19th-century reformer who championed the biological tradition in the United
States.
Concepts 2026 | Study
Guide, Practice Questions,
Answers, Rationales &
Exam Review
Updated Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
,What makes defining abnormality difficult? There is no single definition; it depends on dysfunction, distress, atypicality, and
cultural context.
What is the accepted definition of a psychological Psychological dysfunction with distress or impairment that is atypical or culturally
disorder? unexpected.
What is abnormal behavior? Actions that are unexpected or evaluated negatively because they differ from typical
behavior.
Psychological Dysfunction Abnormal functioning involving cognition, emotion, or behavior.
Distress Extreme upset or suffering associated with psychological symptoms.
Impairment Difficulty functioning in important life areas like work, relationships, or school.
Why is culture important when defining abnormality? Behavior must be interpreted within a person's cultural context to judge normal
expectations.
Atypical / Culturally Unexpected Behavior Behavior differing from cultural norms; helps define abnormality but alone doesn't
prove disorder.
Psychopathology The scientific study of psychological disorders.
Etiology The causes or reasons why a psychological disorder begins.
Prevalence The total number of existing cases in a population during a given timeframe.
Incidence The number of new cases developing in a population during a specified period.
, Prevalence vs. Incidence Prevalence measures total existing cases; incidence measures newly occurring
cases.
Acute Onset A disorder that begins suddenly.
Insidious Onset A disorder that develops gradually over time.
Course of a Disorder How a disorder develops or changes over time (episodic, time-limited, or chronic).
Prognosis The predicted future course or likely outcome of a disorder.
What was the supernatural tradition? Belief that abnormal behavior was caused by demonic possession, witchcraft, or
evil forces.
How did supernatural explanations affect treatment of Treatments focused on exorcism, rituals, and torture rather than scientific care.
mental illness?
What was the biological tradition? The view that psychological disorders result from physical or biological causes.
What was the humoral theory of psychological disorders? Historical belief that functioning depended on balancing four fluids: blood, phlegm,
black/yellow bile.
Who was Dr. John P. Grey? A 19th-century reformer who championed the biological tradition in the United
States.
