Understanding Abnormal Behavior Quiz

Distress is when a person experiences disabling psychological or physical pain. Alone, distress is not enough to describe behavior as abnormal because suffering is part of life and cannot be avoided. Even normally functioning individuals can experience distress, such as from the loss of a loved one or a career-ending injury.

Deviance is behavior that moves away from what is considered normal or average, and infrequently occurs. It relates to social norms because it is determined by the totality of socially transmitted behaviors, customs, values, and other products that are particular to a group. When a person fails to follow the stated and unstated rules of society, they are considered deviant.

An example of a shift in social norms over time is the acceptance of homosexuality in the U.S. Just a few decades ago, homosexuality was taboo, but today it is generally accepted.

<p>Statistically deviant behavior is not necessarily negative because it can include positive behaviors that are not the norm, such as genius. Genius behavior is not part of the DSM conceptualization of abnormal behavior, but it is an example of behavior that is not the norm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mental health professionals have a duty to report to law enforcement when a mentally disordered individual expresses intent to harm another person or themselves. It's important to note that not all mentally disordered individuals are automatically dangerous, and dangerousness is more the exception than the rule.</p> Signup and view all the answers