History and Definition of
Abnormal Psychology
Risa Stein, PhD
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What Are the Implications of a
Diagnosis?
 It highlights the way we invent disorders
 It places the “disorder” in the realm of
professionals
 It is required for 3rd party payments
 It can infringe on the civil rights of people
 It can remove responsibility from the person
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Can You Spot The Crazy One?
Psych 433
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Historical Considerations in the
Definition of Abnormal Behavior
 In DSM II (APA, 1968) homosexuality was
considered a mental disorder
 In Dec 1973, the Board of Trustees of the
American Psychiatric Association voted to
remove homosexuality from the list of
mental disorders.
 The vote was 5,854 to 3,810 for removing
homosexuality as a disorder
Psych 433
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Your Definition of Abnormal Behavior
 What is your definition?
 When is a person’s
behavior the result of a
mental disorder versus just
“bad behavior”?
 What are the
characteristics of
disordered behavior?
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Proposed Characteristics
of Abnormal Behavior
 Statistically infrequent
 Violates social norms
 Causes personal distress
 Causes disability or dysfunction
 Is Unexpected
 Not “Ideal” mental health
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Mental Health Practitioners
 Clinical Psychologist
 Psychiatrist
 Psychiatric Nurse
 Clinical Social Worker
 Masters Level Counselor
 Alcohol and Drug Counselor
 Marriage and Family Therapist
 Clinical Pastoral Counselor
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The End
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