PSY240H1 Chapter : CH1 Textbook Notes
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PSY240H1 Full Course Notes
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The study of abnormal psychology is the study of people who suffer mental, emotional, and often physical pain as a result of some form of psychological or mental disorder, often referred to as psychopathology. Context, or circumstances surrounding a behaviour, influences whether a behaviour is viewed as abnormal. There are no universal standards or rules for labelling a behaviour as abnormal. Behaviours can only be abnormal relative to cultural norms; there are different definitions of abnormality across cultures. In western countries, norm is to break emotional bonds with dead loves ones, people who haven"t adequately broken those bonds may be labelled as abnormal. In japan, maintaining emotional bonds with deceased loves ones is normal. In egypt, the bereaved are encouraged to dwell profusely on their grief. Opponents to cultural relativism argue that dangers arise when societal norms are allowed to dictate what is normal and abnormal.
