PSY240 CLASS01 for posting
2015 04 25
PSY240:
Introduction to
Abnormal Psychology
Course Instructor:
Shauna C. Kushner, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
May 12, 2015
Overview
Introduction
Syllabus Review
Today’s lecture
Abnormal Psychology and its Classification
Historical Context
Contemporary Theories
2
Classification of Abnormality
1
2015 04 25
What Is Normal and Abnormal?
4
Definitions of “Abnormal”
1.
2.
3.
4.
Statistical Definition
Personal Distress
Personal Dysfunction
Violation of Norms
5
1. Statistical Definition
Deviation from average
Is the behaviour rare?
Problems:
Not all deviations are abnormal
Where is the cut-off ?
6
2
2015 04 25
2. Personal Distress
Behaviour is only abnormal if:
The individual suffers as a result, and
The individual wishes to be rid of the behavior
Advantage: many disorders are distressing!
7
2. Personal Distress
Problems
“Normal” distress
Some disorders don’t involve suffering
May not care about discomfort of others
Poor insight
8
3. Personal Dysfunction
AKA: Harmful dysfunction
Disorder causes “functional” impairment
Occupational
Academic
Social
9
3
2015 04 25
3. Personal Dysfunction
Problem:
Judgment call by clinician, or society
Nonetheless, impairment is a major theme
10
4. Violation of Norms
AKA Societal / Cultural Relativism
Norm violation
No universal standards or rules
Ab/normality is relative to cultural norms
11
Problems with Societal Definition
Emphasizes conformity
Cultural specificity
Temporal specificity
Potential for abuse
Some societies endorse bad things
Society’s implicit rules are hard to break
12
4
2015 04 25
Problems with Societal Definition
Failure to recognize cultural differences in what is deemed normal and abnormal behaviour can lead to inadequate and inappropriate diagnoses and treatments 13
Diagnosis by Expert
Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and psychiatric social workers
14
Alternative:
Medical / Mental Illness
Biological/physical cause
Problems
What biological tests?
PSY240:
Introduction to
Abnormal Psychology
Course Instructor:
Shauna C. Kushner, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
May 12, 2015
Overview
Introduction
Syllabus Review
Today’s lecture
Abnormal Psychology and its Classification
Historical Context
Contemporary Theories
2
Classification of Abnormality
1
2015 04 25
What Is Normal and Abnormal?
4
Definitions of “Abnormal”
1.
2.
3.
4.
Statistical Definition
Personal Distress
Personal Dysfunction
Violation of Norms
5
1. Statistical Definition
Deviation from average
Is the behaviour rare?
Problems:
Not all deviations are abnormal
Where is the cut-off ?
6
2
2015 04 25
2. Personal Distress
Behaviour is only abnormal if:
The individual suffers as a result, and
The individual wishes to be rid of the behavior
Advantage: many disorders are distressing!
7
2. Personal Distress
Problems
“Normal” distress
Some disorders don’t involve suffering
May not care about discomfort of others
Poor insight
8
3. Personal Dysfunction
AKA: Harmful dysfunction
Disorder causes “functional” impairment
Occupational
Academic
Social
9
3
2015 04 25
3. Personal Dysfunction
Problem:
Judgment call by clinician, or society
Nonetheless, impairment is a major theme
10
4. Violation of Norms
AKA Societal / Cultural Relativism
Norm violation
No universal standards or rules
Ab/normality is relative to cultural norms
11
Problems with Societal Definition
Emphasizes conformity
Cultural specificity
Temporal specificity
Potential for abuse
Some societies endorse bad things
Society’s implicit rules are hard to break
12
4
2015 04 25
Problems with Societal Definition
Failure to recognize cultural differences in what is deemed normal and abnormal behaviour can lead to inadequate and inappropriate diagnoses and treatments 13
Diagnosis by Expert
Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and psychiatric social workers
14
Alternative:
Medical / Mental Illness
Biological/physical cause
Problems
What biological tests?