Abnormal Behavior and Social Norms

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was one of the main goals of the DSM-III published in 1980?

To expand the criteria for diagnosing schizophrenia.

To enhance the subjective nature of psychiatric diagnosis.

To provide valid and reliable diagnosis for empirical research. (correct)

To maintain the strong influence of psychoanalysis.

What significant issue was present in DSM-II according to the content?

Strong revisions to psychoanalytic influences.

Increased clarity in diagnostic criteria.

Over-reliance on empirical research data.

Lack of well-defined criteria for diagnosis. (correct)

How did the DSM-III approach the criteria for psychiatric diagnosis?

By relying primarily on anecdotal evidence.

By focusing exclusively on psychoanalytic theories.

By maintaining the same definitions as DSM-I.

By utilizing the Feighner criteria in an atheoretical manner. (correct)

What was a characteristic of the DSM-II that limited its effectiveness?

It did not significantly update major concepts from DSM-I. Signup and view all the answers

What influence persisted in DSM-II despite attempts to update diagnostic nomenclature?

The strong influence of psychoanalysis. Signup and view all the answers

What behavior is often considered normal in Southern Europe compared to the UK?

Standing closer to strangers Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario is wearing a chicken suit deemed socially normal?

At a charity event Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can cause behaviors to be viewed as normal or abnormal?

Context and situation Signup and view all the answers

How does historical context affect the perception of behaviors?

It can change what is considered normal. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not typically considered an acceptable subject for discussion across cultures?

Personal finances Signup and view all the answers

What can influence how close individuals stand to one another in social situations?

Regional cultural norms Signup and view all the answers

What could cause a behavior that is normal in one culture to be deemed abnormal in another?

Religious beliefs inherent to that culture Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is least likely to impact the acceptability of a particular behavior?

Personal preferences Signup and view all the answers

What is the last kosha known as?

Anandamaya Kosha Signup and view all the answers

What practice is associated with the Pancha Kosha theory for internal research?

Tapas Signup and view all the answers

Which kosha is responsible for the willpower to act?

Manomaya Kosha Signup and view all the answers

Which dietary choice is recommended for maintaining harmony in the Pranamaya Kosha?

Sattvic diet Signup and view all the answers

What does the Taittiriya Upanishad reveal about happiness?

It is found in the Anandamaya Kosha. Signup and view all the answers

Which kosha relates primarily to the vital life force and homeostasis?

Pranamaya Kosha Signup and view all the answers

What is the key to deep relaxation according to practices for the Pranamaya Kosha?

Asana Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of crossing the koshas according to the Pancha Kosha theory?

Reaching freedom from the cycle of birth and death Signup and view all the answers

What did Hippocrates believe was the primary cause of illness?

Environmental factors and lifestyle choices Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that influences whether behavior is considered normal or abnormal?

The expectations based on age and gender Signup and view all the answers

In Plato's philosophy, which of the following is NOT one of the main values for society?

Wealth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements did Plato represent in geometrical structures?

Earth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes social norms?

They change over time and vary among different social groups. Signup and view all the answers

What was considered abnormal behavior regarding pregnancies outside of marriage one hundred years ago?

A reason for a woman to be institutionalized Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of Ibn Sina's most important medical work?

El-Kanun fit-tib Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of medicine did Ibn Sina notably contribute to aside from general medical practices?

Psychiatry Signup and view all the answers

How can violations of social norms be categorized?

As eccentric, abnormal, or criminal, among others Signup and view all the answers

Plato's central doctrines included abstract objects. Which of the following is one of those objects?

Beauty Signup and view all the answers

Why might a man wearing a dress and high heels be viewed as socially abnormal?

Because it disrupts societal expectations based on gender Signup and view all the answers

How did Ibn Sina's medical works link to psychological functions?

By discussing the brain's connection to psychological functions Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation in defining abnormality by social norms?

Social norms can vary widely across cultures and time. Signup and view all the answers

In some cultures, behaviors such as hallucinations are considered normal. What does this illustrate?

The subjective nature of social norms Signup and view all the answers

What did Plato criticize in a totalitarian state according to his views?

Factionalism and terror Signup and view all the answers

What might indicate a behavior is evolving from abnormal to acceptable in society?

Increased acceptance and normalization over time Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Abnormal Behavior?

Abnormal behavior can be defined as behavior that deviates significantly from prevailing social norms. These deviations are often subject to interpretation based on cultural, societal, and temporal factors, leading to a complex understanding of what constitutes normal versus abnormal behavior.
Context and Situation play a key role in determining the appropriateness of certain behaviors. For instance, an individual wearing a chicken suit at a charity event may be enthusiastic and contribute to a festive atmosphere, making the behavior acceptable and even entertaining. Conversely, donning such an outfit during everyday activities, such as grocery shopping, could elicit concern or ridicule, thus being perceived as inappropriate or abnormal. This highlights how context shapes our perceptions of normality.
Historical Context is essential in understanding the evolution of societal norms over time. Many behaviors that were once deemed abnormal have gradually become integrated into accepted social practices. A pertinent example includes the societal views surrounding pregnancy outside of marriage, which, in previous generations, was stigmatized and even categorized as a mental illness. Today, such attitudes have shifted significantly, with out-of-wedlock pregnancies being increasingly recognized as a normal aspect of contemporary life and family dynamics.
Age and gender also significantly influence perceptions of normal behavior across different contexts. Societal expectations often dictate that certain clothing items, such as dresses, are traditionally reserved for women, thus creating a viewpoint where a man wearing a dress might be considered unusual, even shocking. This reflects deeper societal constructs around gender roles, where deviations from established norms can be met with resistance or judgment.

Social norms are culturally specific, meaning they differ between cultures.
Social norms change over time, with behavior that was once abnormal becoming acceptable and vice versa.

Hippocrates: Early Views on Illness

Hippocrates, often referred to as the "Father of Medicine," distinguished medicine from religious practices of the time. He believed that illness should be studied through a scientific lens rather than a spiritual one.
He proposed that various environmental factors, including climate and geography, played a significant role in health outcomes. Furthermore, Hippocrates suggested that diet and personal habits, such as exercise, could greatly influence an individual's health and susceptibility to diseases. This marked a significant shift towards understanding illness as a result of natural causes rather than divine punishment or supernatural influences.
His approach laid the groundwork for future medical practices and emphasized the importance of observation and diagnosis in treating patients, focusing on holistic care and understanding the interconnectedness of body and mind.
Hippocrates separated medicine from religion, attributing illness to environmental factors, diet, and living habits.
He acknowledged the influence of geography on health.

Plato's "The Republic" advocates for philosopher-kings, emphasizing justice, societal unity through the "Noble Lie," and the importance of education.He argued against factionalism and terror as detrimental to a healthy state.

Plato's Theory of Forms

Plato believed in the existence of abstract objects like goodness, beauty, equality, and change.
These objects are not located in space or time but act as eternal templates for the physical world.

Plato's Elements

Plato accepted the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water as fundamental components of all things.
He provided geometrical representations of these elements to explain their formation and interaction.

Ibn Sina (Avicenna): Contributions to Medicine and Psychiatry

Ibn Sina, a renowned philosopher and physician, significantly contributed to various scientific disciplines.
His most important medical work, "El-Kanun fit-tib" (The Canon of Medicine), synthesized knowledge from Greek, Indian, and Iranian medical schools.
The work details psychological apparatus, the brain's role in psychological functions, and the connection between psyche and somatic diseases.

Pancha Kosha Theory

The Pancha Kosha theory describes five layers of existence:
Annamaya Kosha: Physical body
Pranamaya Kosha: Energy body
Manomaya Kosha: Mental body
Vijnanamaya Kosha: Intellectual body
Anandamaya Kosha: Bliss body
Each kosha has specific characteristics and functions.
Recognizing these layers helps individuals understand the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit.

Understanding the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)

The DSM is a manual used for diagnosing mental disorders.
Versions of the DSM through history:
DSM-I (1952): heavily influenced by psychoanalysis, lacked well-defined criteria for diagnosis.
DSM-II (1968): attempted to stabilize diagnostic nomenclature, still lacked empirical research evidence.
DSM-III (1980): shifted to an atheoretical approach based on the Feighner criteria, increasing the validity and reliability of diagnoses for research.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the complex definitions of abnormal behavior and how social norms vary across contexts, cultures, and time. This quiz delves into the factors that influence perceptions of normalcy and examines historical shifts in societal standards. Test your understanding of these critical concepts in psychology.