[PSYC 3604] - Final Exam Guide - Comprehensive Notes fot the exam (83 pages long!)
30 Mar 2017
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Chapter 1- introduction: definition and historical considerations, and canada"s mental. Psychopathology: field concerned with the nature and development of abnormal behaviour, thoughts, and feelings. Abnormal behaviour: includes characteristics such as statistical infrequency, variation of norms, personal distress, disability or dysfunction, and unexpectedness. Abnormal behaviour is infrequent in the general population. Very few people fall at either ends of the normal curve. Statistical component gives us little guidance in determining which infrequent behaviours psychopathologists should study. Whether the behaviour violates social norms or threatens or makes anxious those observing it. Have to consider cultural relativism unusual behaviours can be tolerated depending on the prevailing cultural norms. What may not be normal in one culture can be normal in another. Criminals and prostitutes violate social norms but are not usually studied within the domain of abnormal psychology. Behaviour is abnormal if it creates great distress and torment in the person expressing it.
