Abnormal psychology

As you have learned in this unit, controversy exists in abnormal psychology. There is controversy in defining what is considered normal and what is considered abnormal, and there is also controversy in giving someone an actual diagnostic label. While some argue that diagnosis is a crucial way to communicate with other professionals and the research community and is needed to inform treatment, others argue that diagnosis results in harmful labeling, which affects an individual’s sense of self and promotes stigma and discrimination.

Identify at least one positive and one negative potential impact of having a mental health diagnostic label.

Select a position, pro-diagnosis or anti-diagnosis, and defend your position as it relates to mental health diagnosis and treatment.

Finally, discuss how diagnostic labeling affects the individual being labeled and stigmatized attitudes toward mental illness.