PSYC 241 Midterm: Definition of Abnormal Behaviour

• School: Simon Fraser University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 241
• Professor: Shannon Zaitsoff

Document Summary

Methods of defining abnormality: statistical concept - abnormal when the levels deviate from the average; need means of measuring the levels. Yet, infrequent behaviour isn"t always bad - example, exceptionally high iq. Distress is a part of life, the point after which it"s unacceptable can not be measured. Sometimes, a person"s disorder may not cause them distress but it may cause distress to those in their lives. An alcoholic"s family would be affected by his alcoholism, but he would not detect his personal distress: personal dysfunction - maladaptive behaviour . When the disorder hinders their ability to function; , but appropriate functioning is not defined. unable to measure: violation of norms - violation of normative functioning, but people may assume their behaviour is normal. Cultural norms vary from place to place, culture to culture, not all violation is due to a disorder.