Duetuesday July 15, 2014, Complete Your Participation

Duetuesday July 15 2014 Complete Your Participation For This Assign

Duetuesday July 15 2014 Complete Your Participation For This Assign Due Tuesday, July 15, 2014 . Complete your participation for this assignment by Wednesday, July 16, 2014 . Your textbook lists seven criteria that psychologists use when labeling someone’s behavior as “disturbed†or “abnormal.†Click here to view the list from your textbook. Psychologists may use a combination of these criteria for determining that behavior is disturbed or abnormal. Of the seven criteria for abnormal behavior, which two do you think are most valid? Which two are the least valid? In the discussion below, identify the two most valid criteria and the two least valid criteria. Provide an argument for your position, stating your rationale for your choices. Please be sure you address each question, using terms and concepts from your text. A good initial discussion response should be at least 150–250 words in length. In order to earn full credit for participation, you must respond to two or more classmates in a substantive manner before the end of the module.

Paper For Above instruction

Most and Least Valid Criteria for Abnormal Behavior

Understanding how psychologists determine whether behavior is "disturbed" or "abnormal" is a complex task that relies on multiple criteria outlined in psychological literature. According to our textbook, there are seven established criteria used to assess abnormal behavior, including statistical deviance, dysfunction, distress, violation of societal norms, danger to oneself or others, failure to function adequately, and maladaptiveness. While these criteria often interplay, some are more valid or reliable in assisting clinical judgments than others. This discussion emphasizes the two criteria that I consider most valid and two that I deem least valid, providing rationales supported by psychological theory and practice.

Most Valid Criteria

The first criterion I deem most valid is dysfunction. Dysfunction refers to impaired ability to perform daily activities and fulfill roles in work, social, or personal contexts. This criterion is highly valid because it directly reflects the impact of psychological issues on functioning, which is central to clinical diagnosis and treatment planning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). When behavior significantly interferes with a person's life, it indicates a tangible deviation from typical functioning, making it a reliable indicator of abnormality.

The second highly valid criterion is distress. Psychological distress encompasses emotional suffering such as anxiety, depression, or feelings of hopelessness that are evident to the individual and often to their surrounding social network. Unlike some criteria that may rely on subjective judgment, distress is a personal experience that clinicians can often assess through self-report and clinical observation (Comer, 2015). Persistent distress suggests that the behavior is problematic and warrants attention.

Least Valid Criteria

The first criterion I consider least valid is violation of societal norms. While societal norms serve as cultural standards, they are variable across different cultures and historical periods. Relying heavily on norms risks pathologizing behaviors that are simply unconventional or non-conforming rather than truly abnormal (Sue & Sue, 2012). This criterion can be problematic because it may lead to cultural bias and overlook individual differences.

The second least valid criterion is danger to oneself or others. Although danger can be a critical factor in urgent situations, it is not always reliable for diagnosing mental disorders in general. Some individuals may engage in dangerous behavior without underlying psychopathology, and mental health issues may be present even when behavior does not pose immediate harm. Hence, danger alone does not sufficiently define abnormality, and overemphasis on this criterion can result in stigmatization and misdiagnosis (Barlow & Durand, 2015).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while all criteria have their place in the assessment process, dysfunction and distress tend to be the most valid indicators of abnormal behavior because they directly relate to the individual's well-being and impairments. Conversely, societal norm violation and danger, although useful in specific contexts, may be less reliable when used as primary criteria due to their variability and potential for bias.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Barlow, D. H., & Durand, V. M. (2015). Abnormal psychology: An integrative approach. Cengage Learning.
• Comer, R. J. (2015). Abnormal psychology. Worth Publishers.
• Sue, D., & Sue, D. (2012). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice. Wiley.