Type:
Solution Manual
Resource:
Abnormal Psychology Perspectives with MyPsychKit
Edition:
4th Edition
Author(s):
David Dozois Philip Firestone
Abnormal Psychology: Perspectives, Fourth Edition Dozois/Firestone
CHAPTER 1 Concepts of Abnormality throughout History
I. Chapter Summary II. Case Studies:
A. Man displaying paraphilias B. Woman with obsessive-compulsive disorder C. Man who developed schizophrenia D. Religious woman with eccentricities E. Professor with strange behaviours F. Career criminal III. Attempts at Defining Abnormality A. Statistical Concept B. Personal Distress C. Personal Dysfunction D. Violation of Norms E. Diagnosis by an Expert F. Summary of Definitions IV. Historical Concepts of Abnormality A. Evidence from Prehistory B. Greek and Roman Thought C. The Arab World D. Europe in the Middle Ages E. The Beginnings of a Scientific Approach V. Development of Modern Views A. Biological Approaches B. Psychological Approaches VI.
The Growth of Mental Health Services in Canada
VII.
Focus Box
VIII.
Key Points
IX.
Key Terms
X.
Lecture Ideas/Activities A. Describe Hippocrates's four-fluids theory B. Movies and Mental Illness
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Abnormal Psychology: Perspectives, Fourth Edition Dozois/Firestone I. Chapter Summary
None of the criteria used to define abnormality are satisfactory alone; only some combination of these criteria seems to result in a reasonable definition. The history of conceptualization and treatment of behaviour problems and disorders did not follow a simple path. Humane treatment of people displaying disorders was exhibited by the early Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. In contrasting, the exorcisms during the Middle Ages in Europe were a result of supernatural explanations of mental disorder. The middle of the 19th century saw the rise of the scientific approach, so the study and treatment of the mentally ill is more rigorous and evaluative. However, there is still a long way to go in developing a complete understanding and treatment of these problems. II. Case Studies
Paul was sexually aroused by women’s underwear, which caused him distress. He decided to consult a therapist to deal with his unusual desires.
Lisa appeared at a clinic due to feelings that she had to wash the floor and bathrooms each time she took a shower, and would not let her family touch the bathroom for fear they would contaminate it.
Arnold developed odd ways of perceiving the world shortly after entering university. He felt a lot of pressures and the heavy workload and responsibilities became too much for him. He began to develop odd thoughts and perceptions, and he began to behave inappropriately and do poorly in school. He was placed in hospital.
Eileen is a young woman whose religious beliefs cause her to behave in a somewhat eccentric manner. She believes in astrology, feels that she can communicate with the dead, and believes that the world will soon end.
Roger is a professor at university whose social behaviour and presentation are somewhat unusual. He introduces odd ideas during his lectures with little relevance to the subject matter and on occasion loses students’ assignments. However, his research is well respected by his colleagues who often attempt to cover his shortcomings in other areas.
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Abnormal Psychology: Perspectives, Fourth Edition Dozois/Firestone
James has been a criminal for years. He recently became involved with a woman, with whom he had frequent conflict. James and his partner had arguments and physical confrontations around his drinking and lack of a job. One night, he lost his temper and beat his partner to death.
III. Attempts at Defining Abnormality Variability is clearly evident in the various problems classified as abnormal in both DSM-IV-TR and ICD-10. Also, many people with eccentric or strange behaviours do not meet the criteria for any diagnosable disorders. Those disorders that do meet diagnostic criteria may be described as mental illnesses, or as evidence of psychopathology, or simply as psychological disorders depending upon the person’s view of the underlying causes. Statistical Concept According to the statistical definition, abnormal psychological functioning is that which occurs infrequently in the population. This, however, has limits, because some examples of unusual functioning are considered advantageous rather than problematic (e.g., high intelligence).
Personal Distress Personal distress is identified in DSM-IV-TR as a common feature of many disorders. However, this is not true of some psychological dysfunction, e.g., mania. Moreover, distress, is a normal part of life and is not in itself an indication of psychological dysfunction. Personal Dysfunction Wakefield has suggested that harmful dysfunction is the critical feature of all people diagnosed as disordered, and that it entails negative impact on the individual. However, many individuals with diagnosable disorders are able to function in their lives. The boundaries between normal and abnormal and what is considered dysfunctional remain unclear.
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Abnormal Psychology: Perspectives, Fourth Edition Dozois/Firestone Violation of Norms Other theorists have suggested that disordered people manifest violations in what is considered normative functioning (e.g., bizarre thoughts expressed by persons with schizophrenia). However, criminals, most of whom do not meet diagnostic criteria for any disorder, clearly violate norms. As well, most mentally disordered individuals are not dangerous or harmful to others. Since social norms change over time and vary across cultures, e.g., cultural relativity, violation of norms cannot be the sole criteria for defining abnormality.
Diagnosis by an Expert Professionals in the mental health field include psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and psychiatric social workers. In the final analysis, abnormality is essentially defined when diagnosticians apply the criteria for disorders as specified in DSM-IV-TR or ICD10. Critics such as Thomas Szasz claim that mental disorders are socially constructed to give more power to mental health professionals, and this remains an issue of discussion today. Summary of Definitions There is no single definition, which can on its own satisfy the multidimensionality of psychological dysfunction. To identify a person’s behaviour as abnormal, no sole criterion is necessary or sufficient, and typically some combination of criteria is used.
IV. Historical Concepts of Abnormality
The identification of people as suffering from some psychological abnormality has a very long history. At each point in history, notions about mental illness reflected the generally held views of human functioning, as well as the social and political views of the time. If a society explains everyday events (e.g., the weather) by supernatural causes, then madness will be similarly explained, and treatment efforts will be aimed at the presumed cause. During recent times, when natural causes based on scientific evidence have predominated in our accounts of everyday events, abnormalities of psychological functioning have been explained in similar terms. The notions of what constitutes abnormal behaviour and explanations for abnormal
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