Question

Although Sue is plagued by a high level of dread, worry, and anxiety, she still manages to meet her daily responsibilities. Sue's behavior: A. should not be considered abnormal, since her adaptive functioning is not impaired. B. should not be considered abnormal, since everyone sometimes experiences worry and anxiety. C. can still be considered abnormal, since she feels great personal distress. D. involves both a and b.

Short answer

Answer: Can still be considered abnormal since she feels great personal distress.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the given information

Sue experiences a high level of dread, worry, and anxiety, but she still manages to meet her daily responsibilities. We need to determine whether her behavior should be considered abnormal based on these conditions.

Examine each possible answer

A. Should not be considered abnormal, since her adaptive functioning is not impaired: No impairment in daily functioning is mentioned, but the exercise states that Sue experiences a high level of negative emotions (dread, worry and anxiety). So the answer might lack consideration of that aspect. B. Should not be considered abnormal since everyone sometimes experiences worry and anxiety: The statement is correct that anxiety and worry are common experiences, but it doesn't consider the intensity of these emotions in Sue's case. C. Can still be considered abnormal since she feels great personal distress: That answer corresponds with the exercise description, stating that Sue experiences high levels of dread, worry, and anxiety, which can be considered distress. D. Involves both A and B: Although both A and B have elements of truth, they lack the consideration of the personal distress Sue experiences.

Identify the most accurate answer

Among all the given options, option C is the most accurate answer as it takes into consideration both Sue's ability to meet daily responsibilities and the levels of personal distress she experiences. Thus, the answer is: C. Can still be considered abnormal since she feels great personal distress.

Key concepts

Adaptive Functioning

When we talk about adaptive functioning, we are referring to how effectively individuals cope with ordinary life demands and how capable they are of living independently and abiding by community standards. Adaptive functioning encompasses a wide range of skills, from understanding and following social rules to managing personal care and completing daily tasks.

In the given exercise, Sue is experiencing significant levels of dread, worry, and anxiety, yet she continues to fulfill her daily responsibilities. This points to a key aspect of adaptive functioning: despite psychological issues, an individual can still function effectively in various life areas. It implies resilience and coping mechanisms that allow a person to maintain a semblance of normative functioning.

However, the presence of adaptive functioning doesn't automatically imply the absence of a psychological disorder. Individuals may still struggle internally and require support or intervention, regardless of their outward competence in daily activities.

Psychological Distress

The term psychological distress refers to unpleasant feelings or emotions that affect an individual's level of functioning. These feelings can manifest as symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues. The discomfort can range from mild, transient discomfort to severe, persistent, and debilitating symptoms.

In the context of the exercise, Sue's high level of dread, worry, and anxiety can be seen as indicators of psychological distress. This level of distress is an important factor in determining whether a person's behavior or experiences can be considered abnormal. It's not just the presence of distress that is significant but also its intensity and duration. Even though Sue carries on with her daily life, the personal suffering she endures cannot be overlooked in a comprehensive understanding of abnormal psychology.

Anxiety and Worry

Anxiety and worry are natural parts of the human experience, frequently activated as part of our body's stress response. They can serve adaptive functions, such as motivating problem-solving and preparing us for potential threats. However, when anxiety and worry become excessive, they can lead to significant distress and impact a person's daily functioning.

In relation to Sue, her persistent and intense anxiety goes beyond the normal ebb and flow of everyday stress and concern. Persistent anxiety that interferes with well-being, as demonstrated in the exercise, may be an indication of an anxiety disorder. When this worry and dread reach a level that leads to great personal distress, it becomes clinically significant, potentially warranting a diagnosis of an abnormal psychological condition. The treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms and improving the quality of life for individuals like Sue.