Psychology 2310A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Psychopathology, Behaviorism, Impulsivity

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2310A/B
• Professor: Kathryn Turnbull

Document Summary

10:41 am: the boundary between eccentric and abnormal behaviour is often unclear, strange behaviours can be peculiar without being disturbing, threatening or repugnant behaviours are not always signs of psychological disorder. Psychological abnormality: behaviour, speech, or thought that impairs functioning. Mental illness: conveys a similar meaning as "psychological abnormality" but usually implies a medical cause rather than a psychological one. Psychological disorder: a specific manifestation of the impairment of functioning as described by experts. Psychopathology: the scientific study of psychological abnormalities as well as the problems faced by the people who suffer from them. Weaknesses: easy to define and, not everything infrequent is abnormal, ex. Athletic prowess, innovative ideas: not all diagnoses are rare, ex. Depression, anxiety: not all behaviours are distressing, ex. Behaviour is abnormal if it occurs infrequently in the population regulate: easy to set line for diagnoses. Behaviour is abnormal if it is causing distress to the person: easy to identify, accounts for patients beliefs/feelings.