Abnormal Psychology

docx

School

University of Toronto *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

3211

Subject

Psychology

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by MagistrateJaguarMaster221

1 Abnormal Psychology Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Course Code and Title Professor’s Name Date

2 Abnormal Psychology Definition of Abnormal I would define abnormal as going against the usual or deviating from what is considered healthy. In most cases, the deviation is deemed harmful and maladaptive. How psychologists determine if a mental illness is present based on abnormal behaviors, personality traits, or cognition Several methods exist for psychologists to determine if a mental illness is present based on abnormal behaviors, personality traits or cognition. They include clinical interviews, diagnostic criteria, psychological tests and assessment, behavioral observations, self-report measures and collateral information. Clinical interviews involve psychologists conducting structured and unstructured interviews to collect data about people’s signs and symptoms, current functioning and personal history ( Whitbourne & Krauss, 2017) . Such interviews focus on abnormal behavior, thoughts or emotions in the interviewee. It also aims at measuring the impairment or distress experienced by the interviewee. Diagnostic criteria involves employing standardized criteria manuals like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to identify specific criteria and symptoms associated with mental illness ( Stangor & Walinga, 2010) . The criteria gives a basis for evaluating whether the experiences of an individual align with a given disorder. Psychological tests and assessments involve psychologists administering various psychological tests and assessments to evaluate various aspects of a person’s functioning. The tests measure emotional functioning, cognitive abilities, personal traits and signs and symptoms related to mental illness. Examples of psychological tests and assessments include intelligence

3 tests like the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) ( Stangor & Walinga, 2010) . Behavioral observations involve a psychologist observing and assessing an individual’s behavior in their routine life and clinical setting. These observations and assessments help the psychologist identify patterns of abnormal behavior like agitation, social withdrawal, excessive anxiety, and self-destructive tendencies. Psychologists may also use self-report tools like questionnaires and rating scales to collect information directly from the person. The measures assess several tools, including emotions, signs and symptoms related to mental illness (Butcher et al., 2017) . These self-report measures include Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) ( Stangor & Walinga, 2010) . Psychologists also collect information from collateral sources like family members and friends, and professionals directly involved in the care of the individual. This will help the psychologist comprehensively understand the individual’s signs and symptoms, behavior and functioning across various contexts. Psychologists also depend on their expertise and clinical judgment to analyze and interpret the collected data and diagnose a particular case. Under this method, psychologists consider the frequency, intensity and duration of the manifested signs and symptoms and their impact on the individual’s well-being. Therefore, the above are the ways and tools psychologists use to determine if a mental illness is present based on abnormal behaviors, personality traits, or cognition. However, diagnosing a mental illness case is a complex process; psychologists need to consider the cultural

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

4 context and individual differences when evaluating and assessing. It is vital to establish collaboration among stakeholders and keep open communication. A behavior, personality trait, or cognition that would be considered normal because of the sociocultural norms but abnormal to an outsider. Behavior that would be considered normal because of its context in the sociocultural norms but abnormal to outsiders is the concept of personal space. The concept of personal space, regarding the acceptable physical distance between two or more people during an interaction, differs depending on the culture. In cultures like Latin Americans and Mediterranean cultures, people tend to have more physical contact during conversations (Grothe, 2022). According to these cultures and others that subscribe to the practice, closeness signifies friendliness, warmth and engagement. On the other hand, Northern American and Northern European cultures value larger personal space. Other cultures may interpret this closeness as invading privacy and personal boundaries. In this practice, the closeness and “bridge” of the personal space are not abnormal. Instead, it reflects the sociocultural norms of the practising society within a given context. Therefore, it is important to understand other cultural practices to avoid misjudging them. The same should apply to psychologists, who should understand other cultures to avoid misdiagnosing individuals from other cultures. The controversy in the suggested definition of abnormality relating to our modern and diverse society Four reasons explain why the suggested definition is controversial relating to our modern and diverse society. They include cultural relativism, the evolution of norms, marginalized groups, and individual autonomy and self-expression.

5 Cultural relativism explains the variance in societal standards across cultures and historical periods. This means that what one culture considers socially acceptable or normal may be abnormal to another culture (Butcher et al., 2017) . Therefore, defining abnormality based entirely on societal standards does not consider cultural relativism and the difference in human values and experiences. Additionally, societal standards and norms evolve with time. Norms and values change to accommodate new scientific development perspectives and social progress as societies advance ( Whitbourne & Krauss, 2017) . Therefore, what was once deemed abnormal may be accepted and considered normal as societies advance. This means that defining abnormality based on societal standards fails to account for the evolution of societal standards and norms. Societal standards can promote discrimination and biases against marginalized groups. Traditionally certain lifestyles, identities and behaviors that deviated from societal standards were regarded as abnormal (Butcher et al., 2017) . Therefore, defining abnormality based entirely on societal standards risks marginalizing those who challenge or deviate from societal norms. Contemporary society emphasizes individual autonomy and self-expression. It encourages individuals to explore their individuality, express their unique identities, and challenge traditional societal norms. Therefore, defining abnormality based entirely on societal standards undermines this autonomy and self-expression.

6 References Butcher, J. N., Mineka, S., & Hooley, J. M. (2017). Abnormal psychology . Pearson Education India. Whitbourne, S. K. & Krauss, S. (2017). Abnormal Psychology: clinical perspectives on psychological disorders (8 th Ed) . McGraw-Hill College. Grothe, T. (2022, May 16). Types of Nonverbal Communication. https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Courses/Butte_College/Exploring_Intercultural_Communica tion_(Grothe)/05%3A_Nonverbal_Processes_in_Intercultural_Communication/5.02%3A_ Types_of_Nonverbal_Communication Stangor, C., & Walinga, J. (2010). 13.1 Psychological Disorder: What Makes a Behaviour Abnormal?. Introduction to Psychology-1st Canadian Edition .

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Related Documents

Analysis of Literature in Special Education.edited.docx

Educ 5420 discussion unit 1.doc7.docx

Loneliness effects on state of mind.docx

Why did humans evolve large, complex brains.docx

Cognitive Emotional.pptx

Screenshot (459).png

Emotional detachment.docx

Week 4 Assignment.docx

pharmacology (73).pdf

PBHL20006 Reflective Practice Assignment.docx

Controversial Paper.docx

Personality Midterm.docx

Recommended textbooks for you

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)

Psychology

ISBN:9780134477961

Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White

Publisher:PEARSON

Cognitive Psychology

Psychology

ISBN:9781337408271

Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.

Publisher:Cengage Learning,

Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...

Psychology

ISBN:9781337565691

Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)

Psychology

ISBN:9780393265156

Author:Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga

Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company

Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...

Psychology

ISBN:9781285763880

Author:E. Bruce Goldstein

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)

Psychology

ISBN:9781305652958

Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz

Publisher:Cengage Learning

SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS

Recommended textbooks for you

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:PEARSON
Cognitive Psychology
Psychology
ISBN:9781337408271
Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.
Publisher:Cengage Learning,
Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...
Psychology
ISBN:9781337565691
Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780393265156
Author:Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...
Psychology
ISBN:9781285763880
Author:E. Bruce Goldstein
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)
Psychology
ISBN:9781305652958
Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz
Publisher:Cengage Learning