PSY 3171 Chapter 1: Chapter 1
16 Sep 2018
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Definition: a psychological dysfunction associated w/ distress or impairment in functioning & a response that is not culturally expected: psychological dysfunction: breakdown in cognitive, emotional or behavioural functioning (ex. Severe fear all evening; fainted in sight of blood ) But having a dysfunction is not enough to consider as psychological disorder: personal distress or impairment: does not define abnormal behaviour. Impairment: many people are shy or lazy but doesn"t mean they"re abnormal (but if it"s makes impossible to interact & avoid people, then yes: atypical or not culturally expected. Insufficient to determine abnormality; considered normal only cos it occurs infrequently. Deviates from the average; greater deviation = greater abnormality. Behaviour is abnormal - violating social norms even people are sympathetic to your point of view. Important in considering cultural differences in psychological disorders. According to wakefield, psycho disorder is caused by failure of 1 or more mechanisms to perform function & it produces harm or distress.
