Abnormal Psychology
Overview
This is a basic Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
What is Abnormal Behaviour?
▪A person who faces more than an average degree of adjustment difficulties in college, would such a person be diagnosed as having a psychological disorder?
▪Importance of family history in diagnosing someone with a psychological disorder.
By moving beyond the “ other people” syndrome- Psychological disorders are a part of human experience, touching life- either directly or indirectly- of every person.
Defining Abnormality- 5 Criterias
1.“Clinical Significance”
2.Dysfunction in psychological, biological or developmental processes
3.Significant distress or disability in important realms of life
4.Socially deviant behaviour
5. Dysfunction within individual
Causes of Abnormal Behavior
Biological Causes
▪Genatics
▪Brain damage
▪Exposure to harmful stimuli
▪Toxic substances or allergenes
Psychological Causes
▪Disturbances in thoughts and feelings
▪Past learning experiences
▪Maladaptive thought patterns
▪Difficulties in coping with stress
Sociocultural causes
▪Circles of influence
▪Social Stigma
The Biopsychosocial Approach
▪Interaction of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors.
▪Incorporates developmental viewpoint
▪Influence of these factors differ from disorder to disorder
▪Abnormal behaviour can be bats conceptualized as a complex interaction among multiple factors