Understanding Abnormal Psychology

Which of the following best defines a psychological disorder?

A breakdown in cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning

What is the primary criterion for identifying abnormal behavior?

Meeting all three basic criteria

What does 'atypical or not culturally expected' refer to in the context of abnormal behavior?

Being eccentric and violating social norms

What characterizes a phobia according to the given text?

Marked and persistent fear of an object or situation Signup and view all the answers

What does 'personal impairment' refer to in the context of psychological disorders?

Avoiding social interactions despite wanting to have friends Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'the more productive you are in the eyes of society; the more eccentricities society will tolerate'?

Society tolerates extreme behaviors in productive individuals like entertainers Signup and view all the answers

What is the most widely accepted definition of abnormal behavior according to DSM-5?

Behavioral, psychological, or biological dysfunctions that are unexpected in their cultural context and associated with present distress and impairment in functioning Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'prototype' as defined in the text?

A typical profile of a disorder with most or all symptoms that experts agree are part of the disorder Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the differences between DSM-IV and DSM-5?

Addition of dimensional estimates of the severity of specific disorders in DSM-5 Signup and view all the answers

What is psychopathology?

The study of psychological disorders Signup and view all the answers

What does 'chronic course' mean in the context of disorders?

Disorders tend to last a long time, sometimes a lifetime Signup and view all the answers

What is 'presenting problem' in the context of studying psychological disorders?

A traditional shorthand way of indicating why the person came to the clinic Signup and view all the answers

What does 'time-limited course' mean in the context of disorders?

The disorder will improve without treatment Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a mental health professional as a 'scientist-practitioner'?

To enhance the practice as a consumer of science, evaluator of science, and creator of science Signup and view all the answers

What does 'statistical data' include when studying psychological disorders?

(Ex. Age of onset, sex ratio, prevalence, and incidence) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'course of disorder' refer to in the context of psychological disorders?

(Ex. Disorders follow a somewhat individual pattern) Signup and view all the answers