Download what is abnormal psychology?

2010-08-27
Abnormal psychology
Introduction: “the chair” (sit in a circle, one empty chair. Statements read
out, if you agree you switch seats, if you don’t or are unsure you stay put).
- Mentally ill are dangerous
- It is wrong that mentally ill don’t get imprisoned
- It is a human right to be allowed to commit suicide.
- The media cuases anorexia.
- Homosexuality is a disorder.
- Computer games can be addictive.
- Shyness should be treated with medication/drugs as all other
disorder.
The learning outcomes for: Abnormal Psychology: concepts of normality
(p. 136)
- Discuss the extent to which biological, cognitive, and sociocultural
factors influence abnormal behaviour.
- Evaluate psychological researchrelevant to the study of abnormal
behaviour.
- Discuss the concepts of normality and abnormality
- Discuss validity and reliability of diagnosis
- Discuss cultural and ethical considerations in diagnosis.
WHAT IS ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY?
DIFFERENT WORDS: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY, MALADJUSTMENT,
EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE, MENTAL ILLNESS, ABNORMALITY,
DYSFUNCTION.
Abnormal psychology – the scientific study of abnormal behaviour in order to
describe, predict, explain, and change abnormal patterns of functioning.
WHY ARE SOME THINGS CONSIDERED TO BE CLASSIFIED AS
ABNORMAL, AND SOME NOT?
An important starting point is therefore to the examination of the concepts of
“normality” and “abnormality”. Since the definition of “abnormality” (as well as
classification systems) has important implications for the treatment offered,
there is need for further examination from a:
- Cultural point of view – what values (cultural?) are the classification based
on, are these standards the same for all cultures? Over time?
- An ethical point of view – is there a fair classification process. What might
classification lead to…
- A methodological point of view – how do we classify disorders? What do
we base our views on?
- A gender point of view – are some disorders seen as inferior – are women
seen as more prone to depression and hysteria – are normal behaviour for
one gender seen as dysfunctional from a male point of view – and the
reverse… who should judge? (white, educated, male middle class)
The issue of normality and abnormality therefore seems rather subjective and
arbitrary.
! Student activity: attempt to write their own definition of abnormality !
Attempts to outline certain criteria to decide whether a person or a behaviour is
normal or not by Rosenhan and Seligman (p. 137 in CC):
- Suffering – does the person experience distress and discomfort?
- Maladaptiveness – does the person engage in behaviours that make life
difficult for him or her?
- Irrationality – is the person incomprehensible or unable to communicate?
- Unpredictability – does the person act in ways that are unexpected by
himself or herself or by other people?
- Vividness and unconventionality – does the person experience things that
are different from most people?
- Observer discomfort – is the person acting in a way that is difficult to
watch or that makes other people embarrassed?
- Violation of moral or ideal standards – does the person habitually break
the accepted ethical and moral standards of the culture?
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! Student activity: let students read and discuss the following list. What do you
consider to be abnormal behaviour?
List:
 Test if the toaster is turned off 5 times in a row
 Insert hooks and needles through your body
 Double check door twice
 Jumping off high roofs just for the thrill of it
 Talking to oneself
 Wash your hands 20 times a day and be happy about it
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Count to ten between each lamp-post when driving
Give up your child to child care in 6 weeks after birth
Lock yourself into a house and not go out
Try to commit suicide
Abuse substances that will make you be late/never arrive to work
! Student activity: “watch the introduction to “As Good as it Gets” !
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The mental health criteria
Jahoda – attempted to establish what is abnormal by identifying the
characteristics of people who are normal. She identified six characteristics of
mental health (p. 137 in CC):
- Efficient self-perception
- Realistic self-esteem and acceptance
- Voluntary control of behaviour
- True perception of the world
- Sustaining relationships and giving affection
- Self-direction and productivity.
Homework: p. 136 – 138 in C.C + (161)
In groups – read p. 161 in O.R.G and present it in front of the class.
Read part of text from “Issues In Diagnosis & Classification” – as an intro to
diagnosis and classification system.
Then read p. 164- 166 together – massive hand out. Do possible essay question
(SAQ) on p. 138 and post on blog.