PSYC 2030U Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Humorism, Dsm-5, Medicalization
Document Summary
Science is great for studying and understanding abnormal psychology, but offers less guidance in establishing a clear-cut definition of abnormal (which is important to define if we are going to study it!) There are a lot of moving parts dysfunction, violation of norms, impairment, distress, statistical infrequency, etc. Both text and lectures attempt to discuss major components. Huge social/cultural influence on what is considered normal (i. e. , notions of normal or acceptable behaviour can differ across cultures). Abnormality can be thought of as categorical, or as on a continuum. How we consider abnormality influences how we assess, diagnosis, study, treat, and understand mental illness. Many components (e. g. , violation of social norms, personal distress, etc. ) are important for defining an abnormality but its important to consider which components are necessary vs. sufficient. Example: most people would agree that personal distress is an important characteristic for considering one as suffering mental illness.
