Learning ObjectivesWhat is abnormal psychology and abnormality?Study of people who suffer mental, emotional, and often physical pain. “Psychopathology”What is the continuum model of abnormality?What are the characteristics of mental disorders?How does culture play a role in the characterization of mental disorders?But First…Beware of “Psychology Student Disorder”For Help:FSU Psychology Clinic (850) 644-3006University Counseling Center (850) 644-31501-800-273-TALK (8255)What does it mean to be abnormal?Rosenham Study (1973)Context when determining what is normal and abnormal“Thud” “Empty” “Hollow” – pretended to hear these sounds and then admitted to mental institutionTried to act normal in order to get outWhen they were let out, the people at the institution said that their symptoms were in “remission”Moral: Once labeled abnormal, hard to go backDefining AbnormalityContinuum Model: normal abnormalWorks for mental disordersNo clear definitionNot just black and whiteNormalBehaviors, thoughts, and feelings are the following:Typical for the social contextNot distressing to the individualNot interfering with social life or work/schoolNot dangerousSocially established division between normal and abnormalBehaviors, thoughts, and feelings are the following:Somewhat unusual for the social constructDistressing to the individualInterfering with social or occupational functionsDangerousAbnormalBehaviors, thoughts, and feelings are the following:Highly unusual for the social constructThe source of significant individual distressSignificantly interfering with social or occupational functionsHighly dangerous to the individual or othersWhat is abnormal behavior? Defining AbnormalityCultural relativismUnusualnessDistressMental illnessMaladaptive (The Four D’s)Cultural RelativismNo universal standards or rules for labeling abnormalityBehaviors can only be abnormal relative to cultural normsDifferent definitions of abnormality across culturesProblems with perspective?Some behaviors appear abnormal to outside culturesBehaviors that violate social norms are often considered abnormalGender-role expectationsHow to distinguish abnormal from eccentric?Dangers arise when cultural norms are allowed to dictate what is normal/abnormal.“Societies have labeled individuals and groups as abnormal in order to justify controlling or silencing them”Example: Hitler & the HolocaustCulture & GenderInfluence the way people express symptomsInfluence peoples’ willingness to admit to certain types of behaviorsInfluence the types of treatments deemed acceptable or helpful for maladaptive behaviorsUnusualnessBehaviors that are deviant or unusual are considered abnormal, whereas behaviors that are typical or usual are considered normal.Like cultural relativism, this criteria assumes rare behaviors are abnormalSomething unusual must be abnormal and problematicNormal Curve (Bell Curve) represents many human characteristics and/or behaviorsSome rare behaviors are positive (Albert Einstein, Michael Phelps, etc.) and most people would object to labeling such behaviors abnormalEccentric – other people have hobbies or activities that are rare but are a great source of joy for them and do no harm to others.How unusual must a behavior be in order for it to be labeled abnormal? What is the cutoff percentage for abnormality?Choosing a cutoff is subjectiveDistressBehaviors are abnormal only if the individual experiences distress and wishes to get rid of the behaviorIf a person’s behaviors violate social norms but do not cause him/her any distress, then the behaviors should not be considered abnormal.Problems?People are not always aware of problems their behaviors create for themselves or for others.Ex. Some people who have lost touch with reality wander the streets aimlessly, not taking care of themselves and putting themselves in danger; they’re not fully aware that they have problems and therefore do not seek help.The behaviors of some people cause great distress to others, if not themselves.Ex. People who engage in highly antisocial behavior like cheating, lying, or being violent towards others.Pleasurable to them; we might still want to call their behaviors abnormal although they aren’t experiencing stress.Mental IllnessBehaviors are abnormal that result from mental illness or diseaseAssumption: there is a clear, identifiable physical process that differs from “health”A disease process, like hypertension or diabetes, is causing the behavior.Problems?No biological test is available to diagnose any types of abnormality listed in the book.Many theorists believe it’s due to a number of complex biological and psychosocial factors.MaladaptiveThis criteria represents the consensus of mental health professionalsThe Four D’s (Fall on their own continuum) of AbnormalityDysfunction – Causes impairment; interferes with the person’s ability to function in daily life, to hold a job, or to form close relationships.Distress (all encompassing) – Distress to the individual or to those around him/herDeviance (Unusual) – chronic lying, stealing, hearing voices, lead to judgments of abnormality.Take into account cultural relativism, unusualness. Deviate from norms. Not normative.Dangerousness (to themselves or others) – Impulsivity. Potential harm to the individual or others.Problems?Clinicians are still very subjectiveHow much emotional pain or harm must a person be suffering? How much should the behaviors be interfering with daily functioning?Lie on their own continuumThere is no sharp line between what is normal and what is abnormal.Learning ObjectivesWhat are the three types of contemporary theories of psychopathology?What is the diathesis-stress model?EtiologyEtiology = OriginsWhere do you think psychopathology comes from?StressPast traumasHow your brain is wiredChemical imbalanceBiologicalMedicationDietEnvironment (nature vs. nurture)Historical PerspectiveTheories of why/where abnormal behavior originates have implications for how to approach treatmentIf we know the root causes, we can better treat a personKnowing etiologyBiological TheoriesSimilar to physical disease, breakdown of some systems of the body.Appropriate cure was the restoration of bodily healthSupernatural TheoriesDivine intervention, curses, demonic possession, and personal sin.To rid the person of the perceived affliction, religious rituals, exorcisms, confessions, and atonement were prescribed.Psychological
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