PSY240H1 Lecture : Ch. 1,2 - Definition/history of abnormality
1
PSY240H1 Full Course Notes
Verified Note
1 document
Document Summary
How is abnormality defined: unusualness or statistical deviation, cultural relativism and social norms, discomfort, mental illness, maladaptiveness, unusualness or statistical deviation. what is normal" can be defined statistically by average behaviour; hence, what is abnormal can be defined by what is rare in the population. Problem: some rare behaviours are adaptive; some common behaviours are maladaptive: cultural relativism and social norms. there are no universal standards for labelling a behaviour as abnormal. what is perceived as normal differs between cultures, religious groups, social groups, and age groups, and varies across contexts & time (ex: it is [more] acceptable to get naked @ mardi gras, but not in church: discomfort. subjectively perceived feelings of distress and having trouble coping with life"s demands are signs of abnormality. Problem: people aren"t always aware of problems that their behaviour may create for themselves/others; or their behaviours may cause more discomfort in others than themselves: mental illness/disease.
