PSYC3102 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Mental Disorder, Etiology, Social Skills
Document Summary
Concepts: relativist view, symptoms & causes vary across cultures, absolutist view, a disorder is caused by the same biological factors, how do you define abnormality, no clear-cut definitions - to a large extent this is subjective. Is behaving differently, deviantly, dangerously or dysfunctionally abnormal: does the behaviour cause distress or dysfunction for the individual or others, duration is also an important consideration. Irrationality and incomprehensibility: unpredictability and loss of control. Interference in daily functioning: vividness and unconventionality. Level of emotional distress: deviations from the norm (developmental, societal & cultural, observer discomfort, violation of moral and ideal standards. Is mental illness a myth: thomas szasz, mi = (cid:862)pro(cid:271)le(cid:373)s i(cid:374) li(cid:448)i(cid:374)g(cid:862, a means of social control. Labelling can be misused: (cid:858)drapeto(cid:373)o(cid:374)ia(cid:859) (cid:858)adhd(cid:859): clinical labelling leads to stigma and discrimination. Distinctions: psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, psychotherapist, counselling psychologist. Professional practice requirements for psychologists: aps membership. Aps approved six year degree & two years supervised experience: aps college of clinical psychologists membership.
