Abnormal Psychology and Social Norms

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Questions and Answers

What is considered statistically abnormal when discussing IQ?

An IQ of 100

An IQ of 70 or below

An IQ around average

An IQ of above 130 (correct)

Which characteristic mentioned is regarded as abnormal despite being statistically frequent?

Left-handedness

Depression (correct)

High IQ

Introversion

What percentage of elderly people may be affected by depression, according to research?

10%

27% (correct)

20%

What defines the violation of social norms concerning abnormality?

Exhibiting behavior that is incomprehensible to others Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors influences the classification of social norms?

Cultural differences Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about abnormal behavior in the content?

Some abnormal behaviors are statistically common. Signup and view all the answers

How is the classification of what is considered abnormal generally decided?

Based on arbitrary cut-off points Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary to consider when defining a violation of social norms?

The extent and importance of the norm being violated Signup and view all the answers

How does cultural context affect the perception of personal space?

Southern Europe considers closer proximity more acceptable than the UK. Signup and view all the answers

What can influence the perception of acceptable subjects for discussion?

Cultural differences. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario illustrates how context can alter perceptions of normality?

Wearing a chicken suit for a charity event compared to everyday activities. Signup and view all the answers

How might time affect what is considered normal behavior within a culture?

What was abnormal in the past could become normal in the present. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a variable that influences communication styles across cultures?

Voice pitch and volume. Signup and view all the answers

What could be a reason for someone to act abnormally in public?

They are under a cultural influence defining their actions. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is least likely to determine culturally acceptable behavior?

The interests of the individual. Signup and view all the answers

What might be considered an abnormal behavior in everyday life?

Using a loud voice in a quiet library. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for defining a mental disorder according to the DSM-V proposal?

The response is culturally sanctioned. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature that helps differentiate a mental disorder from a social deviance?

The presence of psychobiological dysfunction. Signup and view all the answers

According to the information provided, what should the potential benefits of adding a psychiatric condition to the nomenclature achieve?

Provide better patient care and stimulate new research. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect did Hippocrates emphasize regarding the nature of mental disorders?

They have natural causes akin to physical disorders. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of mental disorders addresses their usefulness in clinical settings?

Clinical utility. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges mentioned regarding the definition of mental disorders?

No definition perfectly specifies precise boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a basis on which diagnostic validators may be established according to the DSM-V?

Prognostic significance. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the classification of mental disorders?

They only arise due to environmental stressors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Ibn Sina's most important medical work, El-Kanun fit-tib?

Integration of various medical schools Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of psychology did Ibn Sina emphasize in his medical writings?

The connection between psychological functions and the brain Signup and view all the answers

In addition to medicine, which other fields did Ibn Sina contribute to?

Astronomy, psychology, and music Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Ibn Sina's approach to psychiatry?

He provided explanations for psychiatric diseases and their therapies Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical notion was part of Ibn Sina's analysis in psychology?

The dualism of body and soul Signup and view all the answers

How many books does El-Kanun fit-tib consist of?

Five books Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is NOT associated with Ibn Sina's psychological works?

Social psychology Signup and view all the answers

What was Ibn Sina's stance on the role of psychology in medicine?

He believed it was essential for understanding health Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Ahamkara' refer to in this context?

The sense of 'I' ness or identity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'Dehatma Bhava'?

The identification of oneself with the body Signup and view all the answers

What role does 'manomaya kosha' play in our experience?

It stores our mental and emotional experiences Signup and view all the answers

What leads to 'Adhi' or stress according to Yogi Vasistha?

Going against cosmic laws Signup and view all the answers

Which kosha is identified as the 'discriminating faculty' unique to humans?

Vijnanamaya kosha Signup and view all the answers

In terms of emotional influence, what can become problematic if allowed to control our actions?

Powerful emotions governing actions Signup and view all the answers

What causes long-standing 'Adhis' to transform into 'Vyadhis'?

Shifts in the pranamaya and annamaya kosha Signup and view all the answers

Which instinctual factors are common to both humans and animals according to the content?

Fear, sleep, hunger, and procreative instincts Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Statistical Rarity and Abnormality

A high IQ is statistically rare, but considered desirable.
Some rare characteristics have no bearing on normality (e.g., left-handedness).
Some frequent characteristics are considered abnormal (e.g., depression in the elderly).
The distinction between normal and abnormal is arbitrary and lacks a precise definition.
Mental disorders, though common, do not necessarily mean they are not problematic.

A person's behavior is considered abnormal if it violates societal norms.
Social norms are unwritten rules about acceptable behavior within a group.
Social norms vary greatly across cultures and contexts.

Cultural Influence

Norms like acceptable personal space, voice pitch, and conversation topics differ across cultures.

Contextual Influence

A behavior considered normal in one context may be abnormal in another. For example, wearing a chicken suit for a charity event is normal, but wearing it for daily activities is abnormal.

Historical Influence

What is considered abnormal at one time may be normal at another.

DSM-V Proposal for Defining Mental/Psychiatric Disorders

DSM-V defines a disorder as a pattern of behavior or psychology that causes distress or impairment.
It excludes common stressors, culturally sanctioned responses, and social deviance.
It requires evidence of psychobiological dysfunction and clinical utility.

Historical Perspectives on Mental Disorders

Hippocrates rejected demonic possession, suggesting mental disorders have natural causes, like brain pathology or head trauma.
Ibn Sina (Avicenna) synthesized Greek, Indian and Iranian medical knowledge in his work "The Canon of Medicine," discussing the structure of the psychological apparatus, the connection between psychological functions and the brain, and the role of the psyche in diseases. His work significantly contributed to the understanding of mental disorders and psychology.

Ancient Indian Psychology

Ahamkara (अहंकार) is the sense of self or identity.
Manomaya kosha (मनोमय कोश) is the mental and emotional layer, responsible for thoughts, perceptions, and emotions.
Vijnanamaya kosha (विज्ञानमय कोश) is the layer responsible for discrimination, inner guidance, and reasoning, distinguishing humans from animals.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of statistical rarity and abnormality in psychology, highlighting how different factors such as social norms, cultural influences, and contextual variations affect perceptions of normal behavior. Understand how mental disorders intersect with societal expectations and the fluid definitions of normality.