Final answer:
Psychopathology refers to the study of mental disorders and abnormal behavior. Abnormal behavior is determined by deviation from social norms and expectations, even if there is no personal distress. Examples of abnormal behavior include talking to oneself or hoarding excessive amounts of objects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Psychopathology refers to the study of mental disorders and abnormal behavior. It involves understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment of psychological disorders.
Something is considered 'abnormal' in psychology if it deviates from the norm or statistical average of what is considered typical or expected behavior in a particular culture or society. Distress is not always necessary for a behavior to be classified as abnormal. Social norms, cultural values, and the impact of behavior on functioning are also taken into consideration.
For example, if an individual engages in behavior that goes against commonly accepted social norms, such as talking to themselves or hoarding excessive amounts of objects, regardless of whether they experience personal distress, it may be considered abnormal.