Abnormal

• The 4 Ds of abnormality:

  • Deviance: socially unacceptable in a given culture
  • Distress: subjectively defined by the individual
  • Dysfunction: inability to live as desired
  • Danger: to self or others
• Contrast between the medical model and adaptive approach:

  • Medical model views abnormal behaviors as diseases to be cured
  • Adaptive approach focuses on maladaptive behaviors that interfere with daily life, requiring learning of adaptive behaviors
  • Personal experience is essential in understanding and supporting individuals with abnormal behavior
  • Functionality in society is crucial for individuals to be functional
• Different ways abnormality has been characterized throughout history:

  • Ancient times: demonology
  • Greek and Roman: somatogenic
  • Middle ages: demonology
  • Renaissance: improvement in care for mental disorders, asylum reform
  • 19th century to present: combination of somatogenic, psychogenic, and environmental perspectives
• Research techniques in the study of abnormal behavior:

  • Case study: in-depth information on one or few persons studied over a long time (e.g., Three Faces of Eve)
  • Correlation method: assessing relationships between events or characteristics (e.g., life stress and depression)
  • Experimental method: assessing functional relationships between variables through experimental manipulation
• Perspectives on explaining and treating abnormal behavior:

  • Biological model: abnormal behavior due to biological malfunctioning, treated with psychotropic medication, ECT, surgery
  • Behavioral model: abnormal behaviors are learned and can be treated by teaching appropriate behavior or changing the environment
  • Cognitive model: changing assumptions and attitudes to impact behavior (e.g., identifying and challenging depressive thoughts)
• Importance of considering Humanistic Existential and sociocultural values and experiences:

  • Humanistic Existential: individuals need meaning, values, goals, and unconditional positive regard
  • Sociocultural: social and cultural variables impact mental health, including social labels, connections, family structure, and multicultural aspects
• Assessment techniques:

  • Clinical interviews: direct encounter for detailed information (structured or unstructured)
  • Clinical tests: devices for gathering specific information (e.g., projective, personality tests)
  • Clinical observations: systematic observation of behavior (naturalistic or structured)
• New perspective from the podcast on IQ tests:

  • IQ tests not originally designed for minorities but for white middle-class individuals
  • Challenged past uses by causing misdiagnoses and discrimination, leading to legal actions and restrictions on test-taking
• DSM-5:

  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition
  • Lists categories, disorders, and symptom descriptions for diagnosis
  • Criticisms include validity, reliability, unintended effects, and controversy over some diagnoses