Topics
Psychology : A Scientific Discipline
- Science of Psychology
- Key Features of Science
- History of Psychology as a Science
- Research Methods in Psychology> Experimental Method
- Research Methods in Psychology> Survey Method
- Research Methods in Psychology> Observation Method
- Research Methods in Psychology> Case Study Method
- Research Methods in Psychology> Correlation Studies
- Challenges in Establishing Psychology as a Science
- Importance of Rationality
Intelligence
- Concept of Intelligence
- Perspectives on Intelligence
- Intelligence as a Single, General Ability
- Theories of Intelligence
- E. L. Thorndike's Theory
- Louis Thurstone’s Multifactor Theory
- Charles Spearman's Two Factor Theory
- Theory of Intelligence by Cattell
- Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory
- Measurement of Intelligence
- History of Measurement of Intelligence
- Mental Age
- Intelligence Quotient
- Types of Intelligence Tests
- Individual Test
- Group Test
- Verbal Test
- Non-Verbal Test
- Applications of Intelligence Testing
- New Trends in Intelligence> Social Intelligence
- New Trends in Intelligence> Emotional Intelligence
- New Trends in Intelligence> Artificial Intelligence
Personality
Cognitive Processes
Emotions
- Concept of Emotions
- History of Emotions
- Basic Emotions
- Plutchik’s Model
- Physiological Changes During Emotions
- Emotional Well-Being
- Achieving Emotional Well Being
- Benefits of Emotional Well-Being
- Emotional Abuse
- Managing Emotions
- Anger Management
- Anticipating and Managing Anger
- The 3 R's: Relax, Reassess, and Respond
Psychological Disorders
- Concept of Abnormal Behaviour
- Nature of Psychological Disorders
- Criteria for Psychological Disorders
- Concept of Mental Wellness
- Mental Disorders - Its Classification
- Major Psychological Disorder> Anxiety Disorders
- Depressive Disorders
- Major Psychological Disorder> Bipolar Disorder
- Major Psychological Disorder> Trauma and Stress Related Disorders
- Major Psychological Disorder> Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
- Major Psychological Disorder> Schizophrenia
- Identifying and Treating Psychological Disorders
First Aid in Mental Health
Positive Psychology
Estimated time: 17 minutes
- Basics of Abnormal Psychology
- Definition: Distress
- Definition: Dysfunction
- The Four D’s of Abnormality
- Conceptual Approaches
- Real-Life Applications
- Key Points: Concept of Abnormal Behaviour
CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
Basics of Abnormal Psychology
Abnormal behaviour is any pattern of thoughts or actions that significantly:
- Deviates from societal expectations
- Causes personal distress
- Impairs daily functioning
- Poses danger to self or others
Why Study Abnormal Behaviour?
Learning to recognize abnormal patterns enables early support, reduces stigma, and improves mental health outcomes in a fast-paced, stress-filled world.
CBSE: Class 12
Definition: Distress
Distress refers to behaviour that is unpleasant and upsetting to the person and to others.
CBSE: Class 12
Definition: Dysfunction
Dysfunction refers to behaviour that interferes with the person’s ability to carry out daily activities in a constructive way.
CBSE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
The Four D’s of Abnormality
| Criterion | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Deviance | Unusual or extreme actions | Shouting loudly in a quiet library |
| Distress | Causes significant personal suffering | Feeling crippling anxiety before exams |
| Dysfunction | Interferes with everyday activities | Missing school due to persistent insomnia |
| Danger | Risks harm to self or others | Self-harm or aggressive outbursts |
CBSE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
Conceptual Approaches
A. Social-Norms Deviation: Behaviour that breaks cultural rules for proper conduct
- Example: Wearing a Halloween costume to school on a regular day
- Limitation: Norms differ across cultures and change over time
B. Maladaptive Functioning: Behaviour that hinders personal growth or well-being
- Analogy: A smartphone app that constantly crashes—existing but failing its purpose
- Focus: Individual’s coping ability and fulfilment of potential
CBSE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
Real-Life Applications
| Scenario | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Hemant wears the same lucky blue shirt | Comfort ritual; check if it causes distress or dysfunction |
| Seema struggles to fall asleep | Occasional insomnia is common; chronic sleep loss may impair functioning |
| Rakesh’s anger outbursts | Throwing objects is dangerous; assess frequency and impact |
| Reena’s vague, persistent fear | Unspecified fear suggests an anxiety disorder |
CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Concept of Abnormal Behaviour
- Modern life stress such as competition, unemployment, disasters, and rapid social changes increases psychological disorders.
- Psychological problems are rising due to changes in society, culture, and lifestyle.
- Abnormal behaviour means deviation from normal behaviour.
- Normal and abnormal behaviour differ in kind, not just in degree.
- Abnormal behaviour shows poor adjustment to environment and situations.
