Unit 7: Abnormal Psychology

A behavior that is unusual for the culture or situation; differs from what is normally expected.

• Distressing behavior

• Atypical Behavior

• Potentially harmful behavior

• Dysfunctional behavior

Behavior that causes emotional suffering, fear, or discomfort to the person.

• Distressing behavior

• Atypical behavior

• Dysfunctional behavior

• Potentially harmful behavior

Behavior that interferes with daily life, such as school, work, or relationships.

• Distressing behavior

• Atypical behavior

• Dysfunctional behavior

• Potentially harmful behavior

Behavior that puts the individual or others at risk of harm.

• Dysfunctional behavior

• Potentially harmful behavior

• Atypical behavior

• Distressing behavior

Why psychologists use the term 'atypical' instead of 'deviant.'

• It eliminates cultural differences.

• It only applies to extreme cases.

• It is more neutral and avoids moral judgment or stigma.

• It is more scientific.

Student avoids school due to panic attacks.

• Distressing, because it causes fear.

• Dysfunctional, because it interferes with daily functioning.

• Potentially harmful, because it involves panic.

• Atypical, because it is unusual.

Risky driving during anger.

• Dysfunctional

• Distressing

• Potentially harmful because it increases risk of injury.

• Atypical

Which criterion requires cultural context first?

• Distressing

• Potentially harmful

• Dysfunctional

• Atypical — because what is unusual depends on cultural norms.

Often attributed to demons, curses, or spiritual possession.

• Medical model

• Middle Ages explanation

• Moral treatment movement

• Ancient explanations for abnormal behavior

Focused on sin, possession, and religious cures such as exorcism.

• Middle Ages explanation for abnormal behavior

• Ancient explanations

• Medical model

• Biopsychosocial model