Respond to Ambers post. 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.

please use 7th edition a p a format. Please list references used. Please use up to date/ current scholarly references/sources (within the last 5 years) . cite each paragraph with facts.

Mental disorders are intricate, encompassing clinically significant disturbances in cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior rooted in psychological, biological, or developmental processes (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).

Individual Vs. Systematic Approaches

The sociocultural approach posits that mental disorders are influenced by environmental conditions and cultural norms, providing a systemic perspective that goes beyond individual or familial contexts (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2020). In contrast, the biological approach views disorders as outcomes of abnormal genes or neurobiological dysfunction, aligning with a more individualistic viewpoint focused on biological factors. The psychological approach integrates individual and systemic elements, attributing disorders to conditioning and personality styles. This approach includes family system views, recognizing the interconnectedness of personal experiences within broader familial dynamics (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2020).

The 4 D's in Evaluating Normal Vs. Abnormal

The 4 Dsdysfunction, distress, deviance, and dangerousnessare fundamental to evaluating normal versus abnormal behavior (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2020). Dysfunction refers to behaviors or feelings that interfere with daily functioning, making it challenging to hold a job or form close relationships (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2020). Distress involves mental or emotional pain associated with the symptoms, indicating the suffering experienced by an individual (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2020). Deviance considers behaviors, thoughts, or feelings that deviate from societal norms, while dangerousness assesses the potential harm the individual poses to themselves or others (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2020). The interplay of these dimensions within the context of family dynamics forms the basis for mental health professionals' definition of behaviors or feelings as abnormal or maladaptive (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2020; American Psychiatric Association, 2022).

Evaluating Normal Vs. Abnormal from a Psychological Perspective

In employing a psychological approach to assess behavior, family systems theories enrich the evaluation alongside the 4 Ds: dysfunction, distress, deviance, and dangerousness (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2020). Within this framework, dysfunction extends beyond the individual to encompass the overall family system, considering how family dynamics impact daily functioning and relationships. Emotional distress is examined in light of family interactions, recognizing that dysfunctional family systems often contribute to heightened suffering. Behavioral deviance is evaluated by considering family norms and rules and understanding how individual actions may deviate from established familial standards. The potential for harm is scrutinized within the family context, acknowledging that dysfunctional family dynamics may heighten the risk of danger (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2020). Integrating family systems perspectives with the 4 D's offers a more comprehensive evaluation, recognizing abnormal behavior as deeply rooted in the complex dynamics of the family unit.

My Beliefs

In my personal psychological approach, influenced by family system views, evaluating a client's behavior involves carefully considering how family dynamics shape their actions. In clinical judgment, adopting the continuum model of psychopathology becomes essential. This entails assessing the severity of dysfunctional behaviors, their impact on daily functioning, and the client's distress within the broader context of family dynamics (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2020). However, recognizing the influence of cultural norms and family dynamics on perceptions of normal and abnormal behavior is equally imperative. Hence, incorporating cultural sensitivity into assessments involves acknowledging the client's worldview and ensuring a nuanced understanding of their unique cultural context (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). In doing this, I need to be aware of my way of seeing things, understanding that I might see things differently from the client. I aim to be fair and understanding when assessing their actions, thoughts, or feelings.

American Psychiatric Association. (2022).Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(5th ed., text rev.).https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787Links to an external site.

Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2020).Abnormal psychology(8th ed.). McGraw-Hill.