PSYB32H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Abnormal Psychology, Cultural Diversity, General Paresis Of The Insane
25 Oct 2013
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Document Summary
Psychopathology: field of psychology concerned with the nature and development of abnormal behavior, thoughts, and feelings. What is abnormal behavior: no single definition is adequate, abnormality is usually determined by several characteristics at one time, best definition includes such characteristics as statistical infrequency, violation of norms, personal distress, disability or dysfunction, and unexpectedness. Statistical infrequency: abnormal behavior is infrequent in the general population. What is normal in one culture can be abnormal to another. Unexpectedness: distress and disability are considered abnormal when they are unexpected responses to environmental stressor. Clinicians: the various professionals authorized to provide psychological services. Clinical psychologists: requires a ph. d. or a psy. d. In canada, professional regulation of the psychology profession is within the jurisdiction of the provinces and territories. Psychological services are more available in urban areas than in rural areas. There is been a lively debate concerning the merits of allowing clinical psychologists with suitable training to prescribe psychoactive drugs.
