Evaluate the DSM 5's definition of "abnormal behaviour."

"Behavior that violates a norm in society, is maladaptive, is rare given the context of the culture and environment, and is causing the person distress in their daily life."

What problems do you notice with this "official" definition of abnormal behaviour?

Define the following terms without searching for the answer.  These terms are known as the Four D's and are often used in discussing abnormal behaviour.

Danger:

Define the following terms without searching for the answer.  These terms are known as the Four D's and are often used in discussing abnormal behaviour.

we define the following terms together. 

Deviance:

Define the following terms without searching for the answer.  These terms are known as the Four D's and are often used in discussing abnormal behaviour.

we define the following terms together. 

Distress:

Define the following terms without searching for the answer.  These terms are known as the Four D's and are often used in discussing abnormal behaviour.

we define the following terms together. 

Dysfunction:

Statistical deviation - Those behaviours that are least common are those that should be considered "abnormal behaviour."

Task: 1) discuss whether this is a valid definition of abnormality. 2) think of an example that would meet this criterion and one that would challenge the criterion.

Social deviation - When an individual somehow violates or rejects the norms of his/her society

Task: 1) discuss whether this is a valid definition of abnormality. 2) think of an example that would meet this criterion and one that would challenge the criterion.

Deviation from optimal health criteria - A list of optimal behaviours: for example, selfacceptance, potential for growth and development; accurate perception of reality; and positive interpersonal relationships (Jahoda)

Task: 1) discuss whether this is a valid definition of abnormality. 2) think of an example that would meet this criterion and one that would challenge the criterion.

Meeting certain maladaptive criteria - A list of maladaptive behaviours: for example, irrationality, unpredictability, violation of moral standards, distress. (Rosenhan & Seligman)

Task: 1) discuss whether this is a valid definition of abnormality. 2) think of an example that would meet this criterion and one that would challenge the criterion.

Meeting diagnostic criteria - A list of specific symptoms that indicates a specific mental illness.

Task: 1) discuss whether this is a valid definition of abnormality. 2) think of an example that would meet this criterion and one that would challenge the criterion.

One of the problems of discussing what is "abnormal behaviour" is that cultures explain and experience distress differently. Reflect on how you or your culture express distress. Why do you think that it is important that psychologists from another culture should understand cultural differences? 

An area of interest for many students is the link between creativity and mental illness. This activity has students delve into the question of whether these two things are really linked.

What do you think the link might be between mental illness and the arts?