Dave, a graduate student, has difficulty talking to groups. Unfortunately, he has chosen a career in which he must speak to large groups of people. The night before a presentation he tosses and turns, and the resulting lack of sleep makes the situation worse. When he makes a presentation, he often becomes confused and stumbles over his words. As a result, he feels worthless and miserable. Which two criteria of abnormal behavior are most useful in analyzing this case?
A) inability to function normally and statistical rarity
B) personal distress and inability to function normally
C) statistical rarity and deviance from social norms
D) deviance from social norms and personal distress

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The two criteria of abnormal behavior that are most useful in analyzing this case are personal distress and inability to function normally. Dave's difficulty with speaking to groups is causing him personal distress, as evidenced by his lack of sleep and feelings of worthlessness and misery. Additionally, this difficulty is impacting his ability to function normally in his chosen career path.

Dave, a Graduate Student, Has Difficulty Talking to Groups