Abnormal psych ch 1

Introduction to Abnormal Psychology

• Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that studies abnormal behavior, its causes, and treatments.
• Abnormal psychology is a multifaceted field encompassing people from all walks of life.
• Understanding abnormal psychology is crucial because it concerns virtually everyone in some way or another.
• Approximately 33% of Canadians will experience a psychological disorder in their lifetime.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to describe and identify the criteria for abnormal behaviors.
• Students will be able to discuss historical viewpoints on abnormal behaviors.
• Students will grasp the role of environment and biology on abnormal behavior.
• Students will be able to apply behavior models to abnormal behaviors.
• Students will be able to define and use key terms in the subject.

Defining Abnormal Behavior

• Unusual behavior varies in different contexts and cultures.
• Behavior that violates social norms is considered abnormal.
• Examples of factors to consider to define abnormal behavior include:
  • Is the behavior unusual?
  • Does the behavior violate social norms?
  • Does the behavior involve a faulty interpretation of reality?
  • Does the behavior cause personal distress?
  • Is the behavior maladaptive?
  • Is the behavior dangerous to the person or others?
• Cultural context plays a critical role in defining behaviors as abnormal.
• Behavior considered normal in one culture may be deemed abnormal in another.

Historical Perspectives

• Demonological Model: Mental illness was linked in ancient times to outside forces, like demons or spirits that possessed the body. Treatment often involved harsh practices like trephining.

• Medical Model: The work of Hippocrates and his "four humors" (blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm) provided an early attempt to explain mental illnesses biologically. Imbalances of these bodily fluids influenced a person's temperament and could lead to specific illnesses.

• Medieval Times: Mental illness was often attributed to demonic possession making exorcism a prevalent treatment.

• Witchcraft: Historical beliefs sometimes associated mental illnesses with mystical or magical influences, such as witchcraft.

• Asylums: Early forms of institutions that were purported to be a solution for mental illness marked a recognition of mental health issues yet created societal disruption and were often dehumanizing to those subjected to them.

• Institutions/Sanatoriums: Institutions created to house and contain those with mental illnesses were popular, often seen as a way to isolate those deemed undesirable.

• Reform Movement (Moral Therapy): Shift to humane and therapeutic approaches. Advocates for care in more holistic and less restrictive environments.

• Inglorious History: Prior to modern psychiatric medicine, many questionable and dehumanizing practices were used to manage mental illness. Examples include lobotomies, ice-water immersion, electrocution, and eugenics-based practices.

• The Community Mental Health Movement: A response to deinstitutionalization. Large numbers of hospitalized people were discharged into the community.

• Mental Health Commission of Canada(MHCC): Formed in 2007 with the goal of developing a national strategy, reducing stigma, creating centers for knowledge exchange, and supporting research related to mental health.

Contemporary Perspectives

• Biological Perspective: Focuses on biological factors in mental illness. Early examples include exploring the role of specific brain chemicals like neurotransmitters (e.g., norepinephrine, acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin); the structure and function of the nervous system and related processes.

• Psychological Perspective: Emphasizes the mental functions of individuals and how they influence behavior and experience. Includes Freud's psychodynamic ideas, plus behaviorist and humanistic viewpoints (e.g., self-actualization; unconditional positive regard). In modern times, cognitive-behavioral perspectives are central.

• Sociocultural Perspective: Focuses on the impact of societal factors on mental wellness, such as poverty, discrimination, and other social issues on psychological well-being of individuals. Discusses the issues caused by lack of appropriate care for those experiencing mental illnesses, including difficulties with homelessness and access.

• Interactionist Perspective: Recognizes the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors in shaping abnormal behavior. This includes a discussion on the diathesis-stress model and biopsychosocial model.

Outcomes Revisited

• Students will be able to identify and describe the criteria for judging abnormal behaviors.
• Students will be familiar with historical perspectives on abnormal behavior .
• Students will understand the factors involved in behavior.

What's Next

• The following chapter will cover assessment, classification, and treatment of abnormal behavior.
• The subsequent chapter will specifically focus on anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma-related disorders.