Standards for what is Normal
and Abnormal
 Cultural relativism
 Unusualness of behavior
 Discomfort of the person
exhibiting the behavior
 Mental illness
 Maladaptiveness
Abnormal Psychology
 The scientific study of
abnormal behavior, with the
objective to
- Describe
- Explain
- Predict
- Control
Standard 1: Cultural Relativism
 No universal standards or
rules for labeling a
behavior as abnormal.
 Instead, behaviors can only
be abnormal relative to
cultural norms.
Standard 2: Unusualness
 Is the behavior rare?
(Depends in part on the
norms for that behavior
in a culture.)
Standard 3: Discomfort
 Proponents of this view
argue that a behavior is
only abnormal if the
individual suffers as a
result of the behavior(s)
and wishes to be rid of
them.
 Some therapists object to
the subjective discomfort
criterion because people
are not always aware of
problems that their
behavior may create for
themselves or others.
Standard 4: Mental illness
 Is the behavior caused by
an identifiable disease?
 There is no medical test
that identifies this process
if it does exist.
Standard 5: Maladaptiveness
 Dysfunction- Does the
behavior prevent normal
daily functioning?
 Distress- Does the person
suffer distress?
 Deviance- Is the behavior
highly unusual?
Historical Perspectives Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome Modern Perspectives

Biological theories  Primarily “natural” theories Classification systems

 Hysteria
 Similar to physical disease,  using objective criteria
breakdown of some Medieval views and definitions, along
systems of the body. with the discovery of
 Witchcraft
syphilis as the cause of
Supernatural theories  Psychic epidemics
general paresis, gave
 Divine intervention, curses, Moral Treatment of the 18th credence to biological
demonic possession and Century factors as a cause of
personal sin. abnormality.
 Movement toward a more
Psychological theories humane treatment of the Psychoanalytic perspective
mentally ill
 Mental disorders as the  focused on the role of
 Incorporated a
result of trauma(s). the unconscious
psychological view:
Ancient Theories - People become mad Behaviorism
because they are
Stone age  examined the role of
separated from nature
reinforcement and
and succumb to the
 Spirit possession punishment in
stresses imposed by the
 Trephination determining behavior
rapid social changes of
Ancient China the period. Cognitive approach
 Yin and Yang  recognized that how
*Emotions controlled by people think about their
internal organs world determines their
emotions and behaviors
Patient’s Rights Movement
Mental patients could recover
more fully or live more satisfying
lives if they were integrated into
the community, with the support
of community-based treatment
facilities.
Myths of Abnormal Behavior
The following are common myths
about those suffering from
mental illness:
 Easily recognized as
deviant
 Disorder due to inheritance
 Incurable
 Weak willed
 Never contribute to
society
 Always dangerous
What is Abnormal Behavior? Reforms
Abnormal behavior departs from  Humanism
some norm and harms the - People are sick; not
possessed
affected individual or others
- Need to be treated with
 Conceptual Definitions dignity
 Reform Movements
 Practical Definitions
- Moral Treatment
 Surgeon General & DSM-IV
o Shift from prison to
Definitions
hospital
 Biological View
Conceptual Definitions:
- Organic explanation for
 Statistical Deviation abnormal behavior
- Drug revolution
 Deviations from Ideal
 Mental Health
 Multicultural Perspectives
- Cultural Universality
- Cultural Relativism
The 4 ‘D’s
 Discomfort
 Deviance
 Dysfunction
 Danger
Psychology Student Syndrome:
Many psych students find that
the various disorders apply to
them
 Abnormal behavior is not
qualitatively different
from “normal” behavior
 Many of us will exhibit
similar symptoms
 Behaviors are only
problematic when they
harm or interfere with your
daily functioning
 Diagnosing friends and
romantic partners may
 lead to conflict
Mental Health Professions: Assessment
Who studies abnormal behavior?  Observation
 Self-Report Inventories
 Clinical Psychologist
 Biological Measures
- Ph.D. and internship
- Psychophysiological
 Psychiatrist
Measures
- M.D. and internship
- Neuroimaging
 School Psychologist
Techniques
- M.A. or Ph.D.
 Projective Tests
 Social Worker
- Rorschach Ink Blots
- M.S.W.
- Thematic
Diversity & Multiculturalism Apperception Test
(TAT)
 Social Conditioning
- e.g., gender stereotypes
 Cultural Values
- Interpret complaints
with culture in mind
 Sociopolitical Influences
- Different experiences
affect what is abnormal
 Bias in diagnosis