Active learning ideas
What does it mean to be 'abnormal'? This topic explores the thin and often blurry line between normal and abnormal behaviour. Students learn the 'Four Ds', Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Danger, used by psychologists to define abnormality. They also look at the historical journey of how mental illness was viewed, from ancient 'supernatural' beliefs to the modern 'biopsychosocial' approach. The Diathesis-Stress Model is introduced to explain how a biological predisposition combined with environmental stress can trigger a disorder.
Activity 01
Students discuss: 'Is it abnormal to talk to yourself?' They then apply the 'Four Ds' to this behaviour to see how context (e.g., rehearsing a speech vs. responding to hallucinations) changes the definition.
What criteria are used to define abnormal behaviour?
Activity 02
Create a timeline around the room showing the Supernatural, Biological, and Psychological periods. Groups add notes on how 'treatment' changed in each era, from trephination to modern therapy.
How does the diathesis-stress model explain the onset of psychological disorders?
Activity 03
Using two containers (representing two people), students add 'marbles' (biological vulnerability). They then pour 'water' (environmental stress). They observe how the one with more 'marbles' overflows (develops a disorder) sooner.
Why is the classification of psychological disorders necessary?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Abnormal people are always 'crazy' or dangerous.
Most people with psychological disorders are not dangerous. Using the 'Four Ds' helps students see that 'Distress' and 'Dysfunction' are much more common indicators than 'Danger'.
Mental illness is caused by a single 'bad' event.
The Diathesis-Stress model shows it's a combination of nature and nurture. A 'balancing scale' activity helps students visualise how multiple factors contribute to mental health.
Methods used in this brief
Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Trauma-Related Disorders
A detailed look at the symptoms and characteristics of various anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD. Students will explore how these disorders manifest and disrupt daily functioning.
8 methodologies
Somatic Symptom, Dissociative, and Depressive Disorders
This topic covers disorders where psychological distress manifests physically, disorders involving a loss of memory or identity, and major mood disorders. Students will analyze the impact of depression and bipolar disorder.
8 methodologies
Schizophrenia Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
An overview of severe psychological disorders including schizophrenia, focusing on positive and negative symptoms. The topic also introduces neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
8 methodologies