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      • The term abnormal behavior can be difficult to define. We have several ways to describe abnormal behavior, such as "insanity, madness, lunacy, or emotionally disturbed" to name a few. But, psychologists haven't been able to lock down one single definition of abnormal behavior that's universally accepted.
      www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/psychology/clinical-psychology/abnormal-behavior/
  1. Sep 22, 2024 · One of the biggest challenges in defining abnormal behavior is the role of cultural context. What might be considered perfectly normal in one society could be viewed as highly unusual or even taboo in another. Take, for example, the practice of talking to deceased relatives at their graves.

    • Statistical Infrequency
    • Violation of Social Norms
    • Failure to Function Adequately
    • Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
    • Ethnocentric

    With this definition, it is necessary to be clear about how rare a trait or behavior needs to be before we class it as abnormal. For instance, one may say that an individual who has an IQ below or above the average level of IQ in society is abnormal.

    Violation of social norms is a definition of abnormality where a person’s thinking or behavior is classified as abnormal if it violates the (unwritten) rules about what is expected or acceptable behavior in a particular social group. Their behavior may be incomprehensible to others or make others feel threatened or uncomfortable. Every culture has ...

    They may be unable to perform the behaviors necessary for day-to-day living, e.g., self-care, holding down a job, interacting meaningfully with others, making themselves understood, etc. Rosenhan & Seligman (1989) suggest the following characteristics that define failure to function adequately: 1. Suffering 2. Maladaptiveness (danger to self) 3. Vi...

    This means that rather than defining what is abnormal, psychologists define what normal/ideal mental health is, and anything that deviates from this is regarded as abnormal. This requires us to decide on the characteristics we consider necessary for mental health. Jahoda (1958) defined six criteria by which mental health could be measured: 1. A pos...

    Ethnocentrism, in the context of psychology, refers to the tendency to view one’s own culture or ethnic group as the standard or norm, and to judge other cultures, values, behaviors, and beliefs based on those norms. I White, middle-class men devise most definitions of psychological abnormality. It has been suggested that this may lead to dispropor...

  2. Sep 22, 2024 · By understanding abnormal behavior, we gain invaluable insights into the workings of the human mind. We learn about the limits of human cognition, emotion, and behavior. And perhaps most importantly, we develop empathy and compassion for those who struggle with mental health challenges.

  3. Oct 26, 2024 · Abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on understanding, treating, and preventing behaviors and mental processes that deviate significantly from typical psychological functioning. Its core aim is to comprehend patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion that are considered maladaptive or distressing, both to the individual ...

  4. Jan 15, 2024 · The challenges in defining abnormal psychology stem from the diverse range of behaviors and conditions that fall under this umbrella. What is considered abnormal in one culture might be the norm in another. Additionally, definitions evolve over time, reflecting changes in societal norms and medical understanding.

  5. Self-stigma can cause a loss of self-esteem and self-efficacy outside of psychiatric symptoms but psychological resistance to stigma can lead to empowerment for individuals with mental illness (P W Corrigan, Kerr, & Knudsen, 2005; Rüsch, Angermeyer, & Corrigan, 2005).

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  7. Explain why it is so difficult to define disorder, and how the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is used to make diagnoses. Describe the stigma of psychological disorders and their impact on those who suffer from them.

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