Chapter 15: Problem 1

According to Thomas Szasz, abnormal behavior usually involves: A. behavior that is statistically unusual. B. behavior that deviates from social norms. C. a disease of the mind. D. biological imbalance.

Short Answer

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Answer: Abnormal behavior is best described as "behavior that deviates from social norms" according to Thomas Szasz.

Step by step solution

Thomas Szasz was a psychiatrist who challenged the dominant approach to understanding abnormal behavior. He disagreed with the idea that abnormal behavior is the result of a 'disease of the mind' and argued that mental illness is a socially constructed concept. #Step 2: Evaluate Option A#

Option A states that abnormal behavior is "behavior that is statistically unusual." While it is true that abnormal behavior may often be statistically unusual, this definition does not fully capture Szasz's perspective on the subject. #Step 3: Evaluate Option B#

Option B states that abnormal behavior is "behavior that deviates from social norms." This option aligns closely with Szasz's perspective. He believed that society labels behavior as abnormal when it deviates from the norms, regardless of whether it is harmful or not. #Step 4: Evaluate Option C#

Option C states that abnormal behavior is "a disease of the mind." This option is not representative of Szasz's perspective. As mentioned earlier, he disagreed with the idea that abnormal behavior is a result of a mental disease. #Step 5: Evaluate Option D#

Option D states that abnormal behavior is the result of a "biological imbalance." This is not consistent with Szasz's perspective since he argued that mental illnesses are not attributable to biological factors. #Step 6: Choose the correct answer#

Based on our evaluation of the given options, Option B - "behavior that deviates from social norms" is the best answer representing Thomas Szasz's perspective on abnormal behavior.

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According to Thomas Szasz, abnormal behavior usually involves: A. behavior that is statistically unusual. B. behavior that deviates from social norms. C. a disease of the mind. D. biological imbalance.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Thomas Szasz was a psychiatrist who challenged the dominant approach to understanding abnormal behavior. He disagreed with the idea that abnormal behavior is the result of a 'disease of the mind' and argued that mental illness is a socially constructed concept. #Step 2: Evaluate Option A#

Option B states that abnormal behavior is "behavior that deviates from social norms." This option aligns closely with Szasz's perspective. He believed that society labels behavior as abnormal when it deviates from the norms, regardless of whether it is harmful or not. #Step 4: Evaluate Option C#

Option D states that abnormal behavior is the result of a "biological imbalance." This is not consistent with Szasz's perspective since he argued that mental illnesses are not attributable to biological factors. #Step 6: Choose the correct answer#

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