Solution Manual for Psychopathology
Chapter 1 - Essay
1. Psychopathology may include deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger. Explain what these terms mean
regarding psychopathology and provide an example of a time when each feature of psychopathology would
not be considered pathological.
ANSWER: There are said to be four Ds of psychopathology.
The first feature is deviance, which describes behavior, thoughts, and emotions that are atypical
for their place and time. An example of atypical behavior that would not be considered
pathological is a person who sleeps outside when camping. While sleeping outdoors is not the
norm in our society, we make exception for this behavior under this specific circumstance.
The second feature is distress. When an individual feels distress over symptom manifestation,
we often consider this to be a marker of psychopathology. An example of when distress would
not be considered pathological would be a situation in which a parent experiences distress
because their child is serving in the military in a war zone. The feelings of distress inherent in a
child serving abroad would not be a sign of psychopathology.
The third feature is dysfunction. Behavior tends to be considered dysfunctional when it
interrupts the ability to function in daily living. An example of when dysfunction would not be
considered pathological would be if someone voluntarily engaged in a hunger strike out as a
form of protest. Often these individuals are considered heroic rather than dysfunctional.
The final feature is danger, which is usually classified as an individual being a danger to
themselves or others. An example of when dangerous behavior would not be considered
pathological could be a firefighter or other emergency responder who risks injury and death in
the service of others as part of their professional calling.
2. How do differences between cultures, and cultural changes over time, make it hard to be consistent about
what we call deviant?
ANSWER: Different cultures have different norms about personal appearance and behavior. This means
that before we can say, for instance, whether a young woman's desire to stretch her neck with
brass rings is typical or deviant, we have to decide whether we are judging her by Western
standards or by the standards of a culture where neck-lengthening is common practice. In
addition, although heavy tattooing on a person's neck and arms would once have been
considered strange and possibly deviant in the United States, it has become relatively common.
Even clearly unhealthy behavior, like binge drinking, is so much part of the culture in some
places (on college campuses, for instance) that it is hard to classify it as deviant.
3. Suppose a friend says to you, "I feel overwhelmed today, and I don't know why. You're studying
psychology— what do you think?" If, after a conversation, your friend feels better about things, have you
provided true therapy? Why or why not? Include the essential features of therapy in your answer.
ANSWER: According to the text, this interaction does not qualify as psychological therapy. Clinical
theorist Jerome Frank stated that all true therapy has three essential features. The first feature is
a patient who seeks relief from the healer. The second feature of true therapy is that it must be
