Abnormal Psychology:
History, Models, Research
& Diagnosis 2026 | Study
Guide, Practice Questions,
Answers, Rationales &
Exam Review
Updated Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
, Abnormal Psychology The scientific study of abnormal behavior, thoughts, and emotions and the causes
and treatment of psychological disorders.
Prevalence How common a psychological disorder is within a population; can refer to the
number/proportion of people who have a disorder at a particular time or over a
period of time.
Deviance Behavior, thoughts, or emotions that differ significantly from what society or culture
considers normal; being unusual by itself does NOT automatically mean someone
has a psychological disorder.
Distress Significant emotional suffering or discomfort experienced by a person.
Dysfunction When thoughts, feelings, or behaviors interfere with a person's ability to function in
everyday life; can interfere with school, work, relationships, self-care, etc.
Danger Behavior that creates a risk of harm to oneself or others; danger is one possible
indicator of abnormality but is not present in every psychological disorder.
Four D's Deviance + Distress + Dysfunction + Danger; a behavior does not necessarily need
to have all four to be considered abnormal.
Stone Age Views Abnormal behavior was often explained through supernatural causes; mental
problems could be viewed as possession by spirits or demons.
Stone Age Treatment Trephination — making a hole in the skull; believed this could allow evil spirits to
leave the person's body.
Greek/Roman Age Views Movement toward natural/biological explanations instead of purely supernatural
explanations.
Hippocrates Believed abnormal behavior had natural causes; connected mental problems to
physical processes in the body; rejected the idea that psychological problems were
simply caused by supernatural forces.
Greek/Roman Age Treatment Treatments focused more on physical factors and restoring balance in the body.
History, Models, Research
& Diagnosis 2026 | Study
Guide, Practice Questions,
Answers, Rationales &
Exam Review
Updated Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
, Abnormal Psychology The scientific study of abnormal behavior, thoughts, and emotions and the causes
and treatment of psychological disorders.
Prevalence How common a psychological disorder is within a population; can refer to the
number/proportion of people who have a disorder at a particular time or over a
period of time.
Deviance Behavior, thoughts, or emotions that differ significantly from what society or culture
considers normal; being unusual by itself does NOT automatically mean someone
has a psychological disorder.
Distress Significant emotional suffering or discomfort experienced by a person.
Dysfunction When thoughts, feelings, or behaviors interfere with a person's ability to function in
everyday life; can interfere with school, work, relationships, self-care, etc.
Danger Behavior that creates a risk of harm to oneself or others; danger is one possible
indicator of abnormality but is not present in every psychological disorder.
Four D's Deviance + Distress + Dysfunction + Danger; a behavior does not necessarily need
to have all four to be considered abnormal.
Stone Age Views Abnormal behavior was often explained through supernatural causes; mental
problems could be viewed as possession by spirits or demons.
Stone Age Treatment Trephination — making a hole in the skull; believed this could allow evil spirits to
leave the person's body.
Greek/Roman Age Views Movement toward natural/biological explanations instead of purely supernatural
explanations.
Hippocrates Believed abnormal behavior had natural causes; connected mental problems to
physical processes in the body; rejected the idea that psychological problems were
simply caused by supernatural forces.
Greek/Roman Age Treatment Treatments focused more on physical factors and restoring balance in the body.
