Psychology 2310A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Antisocial Personality Disorder, Mass Hysteria, Conversion Disorder

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2310A/B
• Professor: Rod Martin

Document Summary

Eccentric and unusual behaviour or beliefs are not necessarily abnormal according to diagnostic criteria, although the boundary between eccentric and abnormal is not always clear. Behaviours that are repugnant and threatening to others, such as aggression and murder, are not always signs of an underlying psychological disorder. Psychological abnormality refers to behaviour, speech, or thought that impairs the ability of a person to function in a way that is generally expected of him or her, in the context where the usual functioning occurs. Mental illness a term often used to convey the same meaning as psychological abnormality, but it implies a medical rather than psychological cause. Psychological disorder a specific manifestation of this impairment of functioning, as described by some set of criteria that have been established by a panel of experts. Psychopathology the scientific study of psychological abnormality and the problems faced by people who suffer from such disorders. Concept of abnormality changes over time and across cultures.