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Defining Abnormality
3 models:
 Deviation from Normality
o Normal = whatever most people do in a given situation
o Abnormal = do other than what the majority does
 Legal model
o Normal = control over action, knowledge of right and wrong, “sane”
o Abnormal = cannot distinguish between right/wrong, no control, “insane”
 Medical model
o Psychological problems are diseases with symptoms, causes, and treatments.
o DSM-IV – Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Psychological Disorder: when a behavior reduces everyday function because it is:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Atypical
Disturbing (to self or others)
Maladaptive
Unjustifiable
Criticisms of Labeling Psychological Disorders
Thomas Szasz
o Mental illness is mostly just a myth – mental issues throughout history have been
labeled instead of treated.
o Argues for a “presumption of competence,” (as in presumption of innocence in court).
Mental Illness
Mental Health
David Rosenhan
o Developed a study in which he and 7 others walked into mental hospitals saying they
were hearing voices (“thud,” “hollow,” “empty”)
o Other than that, acted normal, answered all questions truthfully.
o All 8 were misdiagnosed with disorders.
o What if this happened with a physical diagnosis?