PSYCH 100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 15: Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, Conversion Disorder

• School: UMASS-Amherst
• Department: Psychology & Brain Sciences
• Course: PSYCH 100
• Professor: Tammy Rahhal

Document Summary

Abnormality as a deviation from the average- the behaviors that are unusual or rare in a society or culture is considered abnormal. Ex: if most people behave in a certain way, it is viewed as normal; if only a few people do it, it is considered abnormal. Abnormality as deviation from the ideal- behavior in relation to some kind of ideal or morally appropriate standard toward which most people are striving. Abnormality as a sense of personal discomfort- behavior is considered abnormal if it produces a sense of personal distress, anxiety, or guilt in an individual- or if it is harmful to others in some way. Abnormality as the inability to function effectively- there are those who are unable to adjust to the demands of society or function effectively. Abnormality as a legal concept- to the judicial system, the distinction between normal and abnormal behavior rests on the definition of insanity, which is a legal but not a psychological term.