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class notes Material Type: Notes; Class: Psychology; Subject: Psychology; University: Youngstown State University; Term: Forever 1989;
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Class Notes for 3-29-11 (Chapters 12, 13, 14) Definition of Abnormal - No single agreed upon definition. Psychologist emphasizes the Characteristics of Abnormality : Statistical Rarity: Abnormal is rare, infrequent. Not all rare behavior is abnormal Violations of Norms: Norms are rules of social conduct, norm violations make observers nervous. Norm violators may simply be odd but not abnormal. Norms change over time. Maladaptive behavior: Behavior that interferes with providing the basic necessities of life. Not all maladaptive behavior would be considered abnormal ( e.g., struggling actors) Personal Distress : Behaviors that lead to distress or unpleasant emotions. Distress is subjective
The context- none of the characteristics alone is sufficient to define abnormal behavior. Rare, anti-normative, maladaptive, distressing behavior creates a context from which to evaluate behavior. Abnormal behaviors are part of a continuum- exaggerations of anxiety, depression, disorientation, all people have experienced this. INSANITY: “Insane” is a legal term, not a psychological one. Legal Aspects of Insanity: Civil Commitment Criminal Commitment Competency to stand trial CRIMINAL COMMITMENT: “M’Naghten Rule”: 1st^ case of insanity