During the course, you will learn more about mental health and how to determine if a person's behaviour is unusual or not. For example -

The following criteria can be used to determine whether a person’s behaviour is abnormal or not:

• Deviation from statistical norms - the word abnormal means 'away from the   norm'.  Many population facts are measured such as height, weight and    intelligence.  Most of the people fall within the middle range of intelligence, but a few are abnormally stupid.  But according to this definition, a person who is extremely intelligent would be classified as abnormal.  Thus in defining abnormal behaviour we must consider more.
• Deviation from social norms - every culture has certain standards for    acceptable behaviour, behaviour that deviates from that standard is    considered to be abnormal behaviour.  But those standards can change with time and vary from one society to another.
• Maladaptiveness of behaviour.  This third part is how the behaviour affects the well-being of the individual and/or social group.  Examples are a man who attempts suicide, an alcoholic who drinks so heavily that they cannot keep a job, or a paranoid individual who tries to assassinate national leaders.
• Personal distress.  The fourth part considers abnormality in terms of the    individual's subjective feelings, personal distress, rather than his behaviour.
  

Most people diagnosed as 'mentally ill' feel miserable, anxious, depressed and may suffer from insomnia. In the type of abnormality called neurosis, personal distress may be the only symptom, because the individual's behaviour seems normal.  Mental health professionals apply various criteria in making judgements on whether a client’s behaviour is normal or not. They may use the above criteria, or they may conduct their own criteria for the definition of the problem. They may also look at different elements such as biological or medical, behavioural, or cognitive. Cultural differences also need to be noted and looked at as they can play a part in one’s behaviour and the manifestation of that behaviour. What may be okay in one culture and seem normal – can be seen as something quite different in another.

What Are the Advantages of Studying Psychology With ACS Distance Education?

• You can start at any time to suit you.
• They are self-paced.
• You can study when and where suits you. They are flexible to fit in around you and your lifestyle.
• It is not just a course, it is a package of learning that includes – course notes, tutor feedback, self-assessment tests, research tasks and assignments.
• Our tutors are all experts in their field, with years of experience in psychology and counselling.
• They are also keen and enthusiastic about their subject and enjoy working with students to improve their knowledge and skills.
• Courses are also updated regularly to meet the demands of the changing needs for knowledge and to keep our courses up to date.

WHY SHOULD YOU STUDY THIS COURSE?

• Learn to understand what constitutes abnormal behaviour and why people behave as they do.
  
  
• Gain knowledge of the relationship between interactions of the brain and nervous systems and disorders and syndromes that can occur.
  
  
• If you are interested in completing in depth studies of abnormal psychology, this intensive course will provide you a useful insight into the human psyche.    
  
  
• A useful course for anyone working with people with mental health difficulties or struggling emotionally.

Do you have any questions?

Our psychology tutors are happy to answer any questions you may have about the course. We realise it is important to be sure when you are committing to studying a diploma qualification.

Please click here to contact a tutor or request a course handbook here.