Notes_8-30-10.doc

8/30/10 Chapter 1- defining abnormality Psy-the study of thoughts, feelings, behaviors Clinical Psy- abnormal thoughts, feelings & behaviors Abnormal=subjective 6 core concepts: context continuum culture classification causes connection Context: -Circumstances, situation Ex. sadness, intense fear, aggression (these are normal in some circumstances but abnormal in others. -Demographics Ex. gender, age, class, culture, religion Context: -How bad does it have to be??? -abnormality = exaggerated normality Culture: -influences how we define ?abnormal? ex. koro-only men- fear that their penis will be retracted into their body ?power of suggestion? This happens like an epidemic Classification: (diagnosis) -includes categories of abnormal behavior -disadvantages psychologists are shaping people to fit a category in the book. Causes: (etiology) -usually complex, multiple cause -2 main types +predisposing (underlying), genetics, what you are born with +precipitating (triggering) Connection: (mind+body) -interconnected and independent ex. panic attack Definition of Abnormal Psy -there isn?t one. 5 commonly used criteria help seeking Irrationality/ dangerousness Deviance Emotional distress Significant impairment Help seeking -people usually seek treatment for emotional problems BUT? not all do -?normal? people are in therapy too. Irrationality & Dangerousness -stereotypes -although some do behave irrationally and dangerous, most do not. -too much rationality = abnormal Devance -Differences. Extreme vs. statiscally unusual BUT? not all mental disorder are deviant and not all ?weird? behavior is abnormal Emotional Distress -mental suffering (anxiety, sadness) -sometimes distressing to others Significant impairment -inability to function at home, school, work -unable to keep interpersonal relationships Ex. energy, avoidance, problems in daily living. Working DSM-IV-TR definition: *clinically significant behavioral, psychological or behavioral dysfunction. *distress and impairment *broad concept that applies to many people Mental illness vs. Mental health ?Be well, do good work, and keep in touch? -Garrison Keilor ?Normality is the capacity to love and work? -Sigmond Frued ?The way to solve the problem you see in life is to live in a way that makes the problem disappear?