Definitions of Psychopathology

Read the Discussion Participation Scoring Guide to learn how the instructor will evaluate your discussion participation throughout this course.

The unit readings present several definitions of mental disorder and describe the ways in which concepts of abnormality have changed over time. For this discussion, address the following, using headings to match content in each bullet point:

• What criteria would you use to evaluate whether a person's behavior is normal or abnormal? Discuss both individual and systemic perspectives.
• Explain how your own values and personal beliefs will impact the way you view some of the client's behaviors, thoughts, or emotions as normal or abnormal. Use examples to illustrate your ideas.

Support your ideas with references to the course texts, articles from this learning unit, articles from the Optional Readings, or articles from peer-reviewed journals that you locate in the Capella University Library.

Response Guidelines

Respond to the discussion post of one other learner. What reactions do you have to the ideas the learner has presented? Include examples from your own experience to support your perspective, and raise questions to continue the dialogue.

Learning Components

This activity will help you achieve the following learning components:

• Identify the primary models of psychopathology.
• Identify how cultural differences are relevant to diagnosis.
• Explore how a systemic view impacts the assessment process.
• Use language appropriate for a counseling professional.
• Cite and reference resources, giving appropriate credit for another’s work.

Resources

• Discussion Participation Scoring Guide.
• Masters in Counseling – Research Guide.
• Capella University Library.
• APA Style and Format.
• How Do I Find Peer-Reviewed Articles?.