INTRODUCTION
1 NORMAL/ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR
Exercises
2 BURNOUT, DEPRESSION, AND SUICIDE
Exercises
3 HOSTILITY AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOR
Exercises
4 SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Exercises
5 COMBAT STRESS REACTIONS
Exercises
6 DEATH AND DYING
Exercises
7 SEXUAL ASSAULT
Exercises
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LESSON 1
NORMAL/ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR
1-1. INTRODUCTION
Intense physiological processes are continually taking
place in the human body. Any disturbance or change from the delicate
homeostatic balances in the body will result in severe consequences
for the individual. Correct diagnosis and correct treatment are both
necessary to remedy the situation. Just as a physical problem must be
corrected, so a psychological problem also must be corrected. It is
important to understand and distinguish between physiologically normal
processes and those processes which are abnormal. Of just as great
importance is the necessity to distinguish between psychologically
normal processes and those that are abnormal.
1-2. NORMAL BEHAVIOR
a. Definition. The word behavior can be defined
as the manner in which an individual acts or functions. The term
normal behavior is a little more difficult to define. The society in
which a person lives defines normal behavior for that individual.
Additionally, behavior considered normal in one society may be
considered totally abnormal in another society. For example, men who
sit most of the day staring at the sun are considered to be exhibiting
normal behavior in India where such men are believed to be holy. In
the United States, the same men would probably be thought to be
deranged, perhaps locked up, and/or referred to a psychiatrist. Normal
behavior, therefore, can be defined as behavior which is socially
acceptable in the individual's society. Another example of normal
behavior involves driving an automobile. A driver in the United States
automatically drives on the right side of the road (unless otherwise
directed)--normal behavior. Driving a car on the right side of the
road in England would not be normal behavior since that group of
people drive on the left side of the road.
b. Characteristics of Normal Behavior. Although
it is very difficult to define normal behavior, it is possible to list
some characteristics of normal behavior. An individual who behaves
normally has the following attributes:
(1) He is capable of changing his actions as the
situation requires.
(2) He has insight into cause and effect. He is able
to understand that the cause of his dented car fender was running the
red light and, consequently, being hit by another car.
(3) He is oriented to time, place, and person. He may
not know the exact date without looking at a calendar, but he does
know the month, year, and where he is. His perception of reality is
such that he knows who he is (not Napoleon, but Bob Jones, for
example).
(4) He may or may not know why he behaves as he does
at all times (usually he knows why).
(5) His motivations are purposeful. He does not wander
aimlessly through life but is in control of himself and his
environment. Major plans may include renting an apartment and then
buying a house in the future. More immediate plans may be to go to a
movie this weekend with friends for entertainment and relaxation.
From
Mental Health
