PSY 142 - Abnormal Psychology - Review Question Solutions

What Are Psychological Disorders?

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Review Questions - Solutions

1. In the harmful dysfunction definition of psychological disorders, dysfunction involves ________.
   1. the inability of an psychological mechanism to perform its function
   2. the breakdown of social order in one’s community
   3. communication problems in one’s immediate family
   4. all of the above

2. Patterns of inner experience and behavior are thought to reflect the presence of a psychological disorder if they ________.
   1. are highly atypical
   2. lead to significant distress and impairment in one’s life
   3. embarrass one’s friends and/or family
   4. violate the norms of one’s culture

3. Discuss why thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that are merely atypical or unusual would not necessarily signify the presence of a psychological disorder. Provide an example.

Just because something is atypical or unusual does not mean it is disordered. A person may experience atypical inner experiences or exhibit unusual behaviors, but she would not be considered disordered if they are not distressing, disturbing, or reflecting a dysfunction. For example, a classmate might stay up all night studying before exams; although atypical, this behavior is unlikely to possess any of the other criteria for psychological disorder mentioned previously.