Abnormal Psychology
Chapter 1, Quiz #1
Practice Questions &
Answers
Comprehensive Explanations
& Rationales
Key Concepts • Review
Questions • Exam Preparation
, Abnormal Psychology Area of study that attempts to describe, explain, predict, and modify behaviors that
are strange or unusual
Psychodiagnosis -Attempt to describe, assess, and systematically draw inferences about an
individuals psychological d/o
-consult diagnostic manual, such as DSM
Etiology Origin of a psychological d/o (genetic, social, something with the brain)
Four major factors in judging psychopathology The four D's: Distress, Deviance, Dysfunction, Dangerousness
Distress -persistent negative, unpleasant emotions
-recurrent "crisis" situations (extreme distress)
-may surface psychologically or physically- asthma, hypertension, etc.
Deviance -Experience is unusual, especially in context of one's culture
-people in diff cultures consider certain behaviors acceptable/unacceptable
-disorientation, hallucination, delusions
Dangerousness -Danger to oneself or others (usually easy to determine)
Dysfunction* -impairment in fulfilling roles
-obvious difficulty in cognition, emotion, behavior
-compare performance to potential
Psychopathology -Another term for abnormal behavior and the scientific study of it - the result of
many factors
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists - Earn a Ph.D. in their field
- May be involved with practice, research, teaching, or a combo
Doctor of Psychology -Psy.D.
-Typically involved more in practice
-Not as involved in academics
Psychiatrists -Get their M.D.
-Can prescribe meds
Scientist-Practitioner -Mental health professional that strongly values research
Cultural Universality -traditional view of abnormal psych
-Idea all cultures share same set of possible pscyh d/o
-more limited view
-few professionals take extreme of either but lean toward one or other
Cultural Relativism Lifestyle, values, and world views of a culture affect how d/o are experienced and
expressed
Chapter 1, Quiz #1
Practice Questions &
Answers
Comprehensive Explanations
& Rationales
Key Concepts • Review
Questions • Exam Preparation
, Abnormal Psychology Area of study that attempts to describe, explain, predict, and modify behaviors that
are strange or unusual
Psychodiagnosis -Attempt to describe, assess, and systematically draw inferences about an
individuals psychological d/o
-consult diagnostic manual, such as DSM
Etiology Origin of a psychological d/o (genetic, social, something with the brain)
Four major factors in judging psychopathology The four D's: Distress, Deviance, Dysfunction, Dangerousness
Distress -persistent negative, unpleasant emotions
-recurrent "crisis" situations (extreme distress)
-may surface psychologically or physically- asthma, hypertension, etc.
Deviance -Experience is unusual, especially in context of one's culture
-people in diff cultures consider certain behaviors acceptable/unacceptable
-disorientation, hallucination, delusions
Dangerousness -Danger to oneself or others (usually easy to determine)
Dysfunction* -impairment in fulfilling roles
-obvious difficulty in cognition, emotion, behavior
-compare performance to potential
Psychopathology -Another term for abnormal behavior and the scientific study of it - the result of
many factors
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists - Earn a Ph.D. in their field
- May be involved with practice, research, teaching, or a combo
Doctor of Psychology -Psy.D.
-Typically involved more in practice
-Not as involved in academics
Psychiatrists -Get their M.D.
-Can prescribe meds
Scientist-Practitioner -Mental health professional that strongly values research
Cultural Universality -traditional view of abnormal psych
-Idea all cultures share same set of possible pscyh d/o
-more limited view
-few professionals take extreme of either but lean toward one or other
Cultural Relativism Lifestyle, values, and world views of a culture affect how d/o are experienced and
expressed
