Personal Psychology 2 - Unit 8 Text Questions

What are the five criteria used to identify abnormal psychology and mental disorders?

1. Help Seeking 2. Irrationality/Dangerousness 3. Deviance 4. Emotional Distress 5. Significant Impairment

Anxiety disorders are common problems why individuals seek help. Why do you think that anxiety is such a common problem? What do you think causes an individual to feel anxious in today's society?

Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you're very young is likely to have a particularly big impact. Experiences which can trigger anxiety problems include things like: physical or emotional abuse.

What is a factitious disorder? What is one reason why an individual might have this disorder?

Factitious disorder occurs when an individual purposely tries to injure or make themselves sick. Psychologists believe that individuals may do this in order to receive benefits, sympathy, or attention from others.

The line between normal and abnormal behavior is sometimes a fine one. Where do you think the line is between normal and abnormal behavior? Why do you think it can be difficult to identify mental disorders in some cases? Give an example of a normal and abnormal behavior that you think shows the difference.

Many people are good at hiding or avoiding diagnosis of a mental illness. Far Fetched or unrealistic symptoms draw the line between normal and abnormal behavior. Antisocial personality disorder and Factitious Disorder can be used as examples..

Many individuals never have their mental disorders diagnosed or treated. Why do you think that this happens? What factors may play a role in having a mental disorder not be diagnosed?

Many people may be too prideful to admit they have a mental illness, or they simply may be unaware. Fear or lack of knowledge can play a role in a mental disorder being undiagnosed.

In earlier periods of time, individuals with mental disorders were often locked away in institutions and hospitals. This happens less frequently today. Why do you think that this change has occurred? Do you think that this is positive or negative for individuals and society?

Mental illness has become much recognized in the health field, therefore creating more reasonable and humane treatment. This is a positive for individuals and society.

How do you think the mass media present mental disorders? Do you think the portrayals are accurate or inaccurate? Why?

Mental illness is portrayed negatively. It is often stereotyped and can even be glamorized. Many media sources claim that outside sources are the one and only causes of mental illnesses when that is not the case. Characters with mental illnesses are also seen as weak and helpless or criminal and violent. This stigmatizes mental illnesses.

If most people experience the emotions common in mental disorders, what separates normal from abnormal psychology?

Most of us deviate from what's normal from time to time in different areas, so what separates abnormal behavior from these other deviations from the norms of society.

What are personality disorders? Identify one specific personality disorder in your answer.

Personality disorders are those in which one or more of an individual's personality traits are maladaptive or cause significant impairment to the individual's functioning. For example, Antisocial personality disorder has a chronic indifference to others that can include harming others or violating their rights.

What are phobias?

Phobias are intense and irrational fears about particular objects or situations.