Psychology 2030A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Intellectualization, Franz Mesmer, Behaviorism

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2030A/B
• Professor: Ian Nicholson

Document Summary

Normal vs. abnormal behaviour: abnormal away from normal, this is a circular definition, normal becomes the statistical average and any deviation becomes abnormal. Development and maturity: age is important when considering behavioural abnormality, behaviours that previously were considered developmentally appropriate and therefore normal can become abnormal. Eccentricity: acts that violate social norms, not always negative or harmful to others, sometimes, behaviours that initially seem eccentric cross the line into dangerous. Is behaving dysfunctionally abnormal: behaviour causes distress or dysfunction for the individual or others, frequency can lead to distress and dysfunction. If it affects your daily life then the behaviour is dysfunctional. If dysfunction or distress occur, the presence of psychological disorder must be considered. Issue: deciding whether one has enough of a symptom to have a diagnosis: a dimensional approach would allow a better understanding of how abnormal behaviour varies in severity over time, perhaps increasing and decreasing, or how behaviours change.