A psychological disorder is (1) a psychological dysfunction within an individual that is (2) associated with distress or impairment in functioning and (3) a response that is not typical or culturally expected. All three basic criteria must be met; no one criterion alone has yet been identified that defines the essence of abnormality.
Discussion Point:
What are some behaviors that may be considered “abnormal” by the above definitions, but do not constitute a psychological disorder?
Do the words “abnormal” and “pathological” necessary mean the same thing? Can you be one without being the other? Is abnormality an “either-or” construct or is it better thought of as a continuum?
The post A psychological disorder is (1) a psychological dysfunction within an individual appeared first on Skilled Papers.