PSYB32H3 Chapter 1.1: PSYB32H3 Chapter 1.: 1.1
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1. 1 what is abnormal behaviour: abnormality is usually determined by the presence of many characteristics at one time, the def"n of abnormal behaviour includes characteristics like statistical infrequency, violation of norms, personal distress, disability or dysfunction, and unexpectedness. The psychopath may violate the law continually w/o experiencing any guilt, remorse, or anxiety at all. At the same time not all forms of personal suffering, such as hunger or the pain of childbirth are studied w/i abnormal psychology. Disability or dysfunction: disability is impairment in an imp area of life (e. g. , work or personal relationships) b/c of an abnormality --> this can also be a component of abnormal behaviour. Unexpectedness: distress and disability are considered abnormal when they are unexpected responses to env"al stressors, e. g. , an anx disorder is diagnosed when the person"s anx is unexpected and out of proportion for the situation.