ABNORMAL PSYCH

In the Middle Ages people who behaved strangely were sometimes thought to be in league with the devil. Psychological disorders were thought to be caused by demonic possession. These strange beliefs led to very cruel methods of dealing with the abnormal behaviors.

Three criteria that are most frequently used in judgments of abnormality:

Deviance – behavior deviates from what their society considers acceptable.

– Ex. Transvestism. (cross-dressing; men & women?)

Maladaptive behavior- people are judged to have a psychological disorder because their everyday adaptive behavior is impaired.

– Ex. Drug abuse. Personal distress – based on an

individual’s report of great personal distress. – Ex. Depression.

Normality and abnormality is a continuum. There isn’t a sharp boundary between normal and abnormal behavior. It is not an all or none principle.

4 Stereotypes of Psychological Disorders

Psychological disorders are a sign of weakness.

– Reality- mentally ill people are no more to blame than people with Leukemia!

Psychological disorders are incurable.

– Reality- most people diagnosed with mental illness eventually lead productive, normal lives with treatment.

People with psychological disorders are often violent and dangerous

– Reality- most are not violent; it is just that the media gives a lot of attention to violent crimes committed by mentally ill people.

People with psychological disorders behave in bizarre ways and are very different from normal people.

– Reality- usually only severe cases show bizarre behavior. It is usually hard to tell the difference between normal and abnormal.

Who is mentally ill?

Three criteria for determining a disorder or mental illness?

Explain the Normal/Abnormal continuum. 4 common stereo types of mental illness?

Quiz