Module 1: What Is
Abnormal Psychology?
2026 | Study Guide,
Practice Questions,
Answers, Rationales &
Exam Review
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Rationales
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, Abnormal Behavior Behavior that deviates significantly from culturally accepted norms or expectations.
Culture Totality of socially transmitted behaviors, customs, values, beliefs, and products
defining group norms.
Social Norms Shared, accepted expectations and behaviors within a specific cultural or social
group.
Abnormal Psychology = Psychological Disorders = Mental Study of conditions involving significant disturbances in thoughts, emotions, and
Disorders = Psychopathology behaviors causing distress.
Syndromes Collection of symptoms and signs occurring together that suggest a specific
condition.
Distress Psychological or emotional state characterized by significant discomfort, suffering,
or anguish. ex) mania
Dysfunction Impaired or disrupted functioning in one or more major areas of life.
Dangerousness Potential for an individual to pose a threat to themselves or others.
Deviance Behavior, thoughts, or emotions that significantly differ from societal norms and
expectations.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Standardized classification system published by the APA for diagnosing mental
(DSM) disorders.
Classification Systematic organization or categorization of phenomena or conditions.
Prototypes Empirically derived representations of core features of specific mental disorders.
Abnormal Psychology?
2026 | Study Guide,
Practice Questions,
Answers, Rationales &
Exam Review
Updated Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
, Abnormal Behavior Behavior that deviates significantly from culturally accepted norms or expectations.
Culture Totality of socially transmitted behaviors, customs, values, beliefs, and products
defining group norms.
Social Norms Shared, accepted expectations and behaviors within a specific cultural or social
group.
Abnormal Psychology = Psychological Disorders = Mental Study of conditions involving significant disturbances in thoughts, emotions, and
Disorders = Psychopathology behaviors causing distress.
Syndromes Collection of symptoms and signs occurring together that suggest a specific
condition.
Distress Psychological or emotional state characterized by significant discomfort, suffering,
or anguish. ex) mania
Dysfunction Impaired or disrupted functioning in one or more major areas of life.
Dangerousness Potential for an individual to pose a threat to themselves or others.
Deviance Behavior, thoughts, or emotions that significantly differ from societal norms and
expectations.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Standardized classification system published by the APA for diagnosing mental
(DSM) disorders.
Classification Systematic organization or categorization of phenomena or conditions.
Prototypes Empirically derived representations of core features of specific mental disorders.
