Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology by Comer ⋆ Book Box PDF

Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology 7th ed. by Ronald J. Comer

What Is Psychological Abnormality?

Although their general goals are similar to those of other scientific professionals, clinical scientists and practitioners face problems that make their work especially difficult. One of the most troubling is that psychological abnormality is very hard to define. While many definitions of abnormality have been proposed over the years, none has won total acceptance.

Still, most of the definitions have certain features in common, often called “the four Ds“:

deviance,
distress,
dysfunction,
danger.

That Is, patterns of psychological abnormality’ are typically deviant (different, extreme, unusual, perhaps even bizarre), distressing (unpleasant and upsetting to the person), dysfunctional (interfering with the persons ability to conduct daily activities in a constructive way), and possibly dangerous. This definition offers a useful starting point from which to explore the phenomena of psychological abnormality. As you will see, however, it has key limitations.

Deviance

Abnormal psychological functioning is deviant, but deviant from what? We do not expect people to cry themselves to sleep each night, hate the world, wish themselves dead, or obey voices that no one else hears. In short, abnormal behavior, thoughts, and emotions are those that differ markedly from a society’s ideas about proper functioning. Each society establishes norms—stated and unstated rules for proper conduct. A society’s norms grow from its particular culture—its history, values, institutions, habits, skills, technology, and arts.

Distress

According to many clinical theorists, behavior, ideas, or emotions usually have to cause distress before they can be labeled abnormal. Should we conclude, then, that feelings of distress must always be present before a persons functioning can be considered abnormal?

Dysfunction

Abnormal behavior tends to be dysfunctional; that is, it interferes with daily functioning. It so upsets, distracts, or confuses people that they cannot care for themselves properly, participate in ordinary’ social interactions, or work productively.

Danger

Perhaps the ultimate in psychological dysfunctioning is behavior that becomes dangerous to oneself or others. Individuals whose behavior is consistendy careless, hostile, or confused may be placing themselves or those around them at risk.

The field devoted to the scientific study of the problems we find so fascinating is usually called abnormal psychology. As in any science, workers in this field, called clinical scientists, gather information systematically so that they may describe, predict, and explain the phenomena they study. The knowledge that they acquire is then used by clinical practitioners, whose role is to detect, assess, and treat abnormal patterns of functioning.

CONTENTS IN BRIEF

Abnormal Psychology in Science and Clinical Practice