PSYC 353 Lecture Notes - Boston Psychopathic Hospital, Dysesthesia, Demonic Possession
18 Mar 2014
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Document Summary
No clear line btwn normal and abnormal. Requires subjective decisions on whether person has a disorder ex. Whether b/c of depression, health issues (medicinal marijuana), rebellious behavior. Ways to determine what is ab/normal: cultural relativism- no universal standards or rules for labeling a behavior as abnormal, behaviors can only be abnormal relative to cultural norms, ex. Dysfunction- not able to maintain relationships, or complete work, etc. Distress- feels bad about problem, wants help. Deviance (unusual)- does it deviate from norm. Danger- is there danger to person or others. Biological theories- similar to physical disease, breakdown of some systems of the body. Supernatural theories- divine intervention, curses, demonic possession, personal sin. Psychological theories- mental disorders as result of traumas: stone age- spirit possession, trephination (drill hold in skull to release spirit, ancient china- balancing ying and yang. Emotions controlled by internal organs: ancient egypt, greece, rome- natural theories.
