PSY 3010 Exam 1 Questions and Complete Solutions

Abnormal Psychology The scientific study of abnormal behavior in an effort to describe, predict, explain, and change abnormal patterns of functioning. Clinical scientists gather information and clinical practitioners asses and treat. Defining abnormality Many definitions have been proposed and none fully accepted. The most accepted is the four D's. Deviance, distress, dysfunction, and dangerous. However, it has limitations and is just a starting point. Judgments also need to depend on the specific circumstances. Szasz says it depends mainly on society, underage drinking has all four D's, but society has grown to accept it. Deviant Different, extreme, unusual, or bizarre. It is different from the norms, which are stated and unstated rules for proper conduct. The norms grow from culture (common history) so they are different across time and place. Distressing Unpleasant and upsetting to a person. Some people do odd things, but are not upset by it, so it is probably not abnormal. But, this is not always pleasant, some people are fine with their behavior or even enjoy it. Dysfunction Interfering with the person's ability to conduct daily activities in a constructive way. It disrupts people in a way that they cannot care for themselves properly. Having to quit your job, not leaving the house, having routines that must be done before bed. Culture matters here as well, for Americans it is very important to carry out activities in a timely manner. Danger Behavior is careless, hostile, or confused. Posed to themselves and others. It is usually the exception rather than the rule, people with anxiety and odd thoughts typically pose no immediate threat to themselves or others. Eccentrics They deviate from the norm and display odd behavior. They freely choose to engage in the behavior and their thought processes are not disrupted and do not leave them dysfunctional. Studies have found they actually have fewer emotional problems. An unusual pattern with which others have to right to interfere. Treatment or Therapy A procedure designed to change abnormal behavior into more normal behavior. Frank said all forms of therapy need to have a sufferer who seeks relief from the healer, a trained socially appected healer whose expertise is accepted by the sufferer, and a series of contacts between the two that tries to change the emotional state, attitudes, and behaviors. Therapists are not in agreement of their goals. Some view abnormality as an illness and therapy a procedure and call them patients.