Abnormal Psychology - Introduction Lecture #1

● Abnormal Psychology
○ Study of abnormal: Cognition (thinking processes), Emotion, Behavior

● Licensed Therapist - Imagine “abnormal behavior”

○ Destructive actions towards others / self
○ Over/ under reactive to stressors
○ Differs from the norm
○ Disruptions to everyday life and activity
○ No gold standard definition

● Abnormal Psychology Definitions Psychologists Support

1. Social Deviance
a. Behavior that is considered a violation of social norms
b. Atypical behavior that differs significantly from what is culturally
acceptable
SD Advantages + SD Disadvantages -

Professionals & community members may Promotes the status quo

have high agreement on what constitutes a. Conform to societal expectations
divergent behavior b. Societal rigidity vs. tolerance

High reliability in assessment & diagnosis Should criminal behavior be considered

abnormal behavior or a mental illness?

Some psychologists prefer a universal

definition

2. Functional Impairment
a. Behavior that is maladaptive because it interferes with one’s ability to
function effectively
b. Functioning Domains
i. Interpersonal (how does someone interact with others)
ii. Occupational (coworkers, supervisors, workplace)
iii. Academic (normal development at a school - behavior/ grades)

3. Personal Distress
 a. Behavior that causes discomfort to the individual
● Summary
1. Social Deviance *
2. Functional Impairment *
3. Personal Distress *
4. Other
a. Self-injurious behavior (SIB), suicidal, or violence towards others
b. Disrupts quality of life
c. Statistical- infrequent or rare behavior
d. Spiritual distress

Abnormal Psychology - Introduction Lecture #2

● Corrigan & Watson
○ Public Stigma (Stereotype, Prejudice, Dsicrimination)
■ Mental illnesses are seen as something that shouldn’t be publicized to
others
○ Self-stigma (Stereotype, Prejudice, Dsicrimination)
■ Self-diagnosis → not always accurate
■ Trendy → people almost want to have a mental illness
■ Stereotype, Prejudice, Dsicrimination
● Doesn’t apply as much to college students/ younger people
● Adults have more trouble with mental illness
● Diagnosis
○