INTRODUCTION TO

ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

Read the following and identify which of the given

behaviors you regard as abnormal
Taking a lucky pencil to an exam
Being unable to sleep, eat, study, or talk to anyone else

for days after ones lover says, Its over between us.
Breaking into a cold sweat at the thought of being
trapped in an elevator
Swearing, throwing pillows, and pounding ones fist on
the wall in the middle of an argument with a roommate
Refusing to eat solid food for days at a time in order to
stay thin

Having to engage in a thorough hand-washing after

coming home from a ride on public transportation

Believing that the government has agents who are
listening into ones telephone conversations
Drinking a six-pack of beer a day in order to be
sociable with ones friends after work

What is your basis for deciding between normal

and abnormal?

Defining Abnormal Behavior

Deviation from the average

-statistical average
Deviation from the optimal
- ideal of human functioning

Classification of Deviation
Biological Criteria

- excess dopamine leads to schizophrenia

- abnormal levels of biochemical substances in the
nervous system
- Bodily symptoms involving sleep, appetite and
energy levels
- Disturbances in the structure and function of parts
of the brain

Psychological Criteria

- a persons emotional state and ability to solve new

problems, remember what is learned, use language, adapt
to stressful situations and meet personal needs
- Unusual sensory and perceptual experiences
- Deficient cognitive functioning
- Disturbed emotional state
- Personal distress
- Maladaptive behavior

Socio cultural criteria

- focus on the extent to which the individual has

adopted the prevailing views of society. A behavior is
abnormal if it involves stepping outside of societys
expectations for appropriate behavior (social norm)
- violation of social norm
- harm to other people

The Stigma of being Abnormal

Stigma
- Is a label that causes certain people to be regarded as
different , and therefore defective. It sets certain
individuals apart from others who do not want to be
associated with them

Myths about Mental Illness

A person who has been mentally ill can never be

normal
Even if some mentally ill persons return to normal,
chronically mentally ill people remain different- in fact
crazy
If other people with handicaps can cope on their own,
recovered mental patients should be able to do so, too.
Persons with mental illness are unpredictable
Yes, but those with schizophrenia or other severe
mental disorders must remain unpredictable

Myths about Mental Illness

Mentally ill persons are dangerous
But recovered mental patients are surely potentially

dangerous. They could go berserk at anytime.

Anyone who has had shock treatment must really be in a
bad way.
When you learn a person has been mentally ill, you have
learned the most important thing about his or her
personality
You cant be with someone who has been mentally ill
If a former mental patient has a really bad history there
isnt much hope

Myths about Mental Illness

Perhaps recovered mental patients can work

successfully at low-level jobs. But they arent suited

for really important or responsible positions.
Recovered mental patients have a tough row to hoe.

But theres not much that can be done about it.