Abnormal psychology
Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that studies unusual patterns of behavior, emotion and thought, which may or may not be understood as precipitating a mental disorder. Although many behaviours could be considered as abnormal, this branch of psychology generally deals with behavior in a clinical context.
What is normal and abnormal in psychology?
What is normal and abnormal in psychology? In everyday language, even in psychology, these two are logical opposites in meaning; normality is the state of being normal, whereas abnormality is the state or condition of having abnormal behaviors, including thoughts and emotions, as well as traits.
What does abnormal psychology mean?
Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that studies unusual patterns of behavior, emotion and thought, which may or may not be understood as precipitating a mental disorder. Although many behaviors could be considered as abnormal, this branch of psychology typically deals with behavior in a clinical context.
What is the definition of abnormal psychology?
The field of abnormal psychology includes assessing, treating, and preventing maladaptive behavior. There's no exact definition of abnormal psychology, but we do have ways of characterizing it. In the clinical world, abnormal psychology is characterized by someone who has a statistical deviation from normal behaviors or those who tend to be maladaptive to themselves or in society.
What are abnormal psychology disorders?
Abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with psychopathology and abnormal behavior, often in a clinical context. The term covers a broad range of disorders, from depression to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to personality disorders. Counselors, clinical psychologists, and psychotherapists often work directly in this field.
What topics are covered in abnormal psychology?
Abnormal Psychological Disorders and Treatment Most courses will provide you with a foundational understanding of the symptoms, theories, and known causes of anxiety disorders, somatoform and dissociative disorders, substance abuse, cognitive disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia.
What is abnormal psychology examples?
Abnormal Psychology Disorders include anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, delusional disorders, substance use disorders, dissociative disorders, and impulse control disorders.
What defines abnormal psychology?
Definition of abnormal psychology : a branch of psychology concerned with mental and emotional disorders (such as anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, and developmental disorders) and with certain incompletely understood normal phenomena (such as dreams and hypnosis)
What are the 4 D's of abnormal psychology?
Psychologists often classify behavior as abnormal using 4 D's: deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger. Providing a straightforward definition of abnormality is tricky because abnormality is relative, but the definition has several primary characteristics.
What are the four main categories of abnormal Behaviour?
There are four general criteria that psychologists use to identify abnormal behavior: violation of social norms, statistical rarity, personal distress, and maladaptive behavior.
What are the five perspectives of abnormal psychology?
Perspectives on Abnormal BehaviorThe medical perspective. ... The psychodynamic perspective. ... The behavioral perspective. ... The cognitive perspective. ... The social‐cultural perspective.
What causes abnormal psychology?
Medical models point to distorted brain chemistry, illness, or hormonal imbalances as potential causes of abnormal psychology. For example, schizophrenia seems to have a genetic root, and schizophrenic behavior could be characterized as being caused by abnormal genes.
What is the difference between social psychology and abnormal psychology?
Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that is focused on abnormal, or atypical, behaviors and patterns of thought. Oftentimes, this branch approaches psychological abnormalities from a clinical perspective. Social psychology, however, examines behavior and patterns of thought within a social context.
What are examples of abnormal thoughts?
Other types of thought disorder Paraphasic error: constant word mispronunciation or slips of the tongue. Stilted speech: using unusual language that's overly formal or outdated. Perseveration: leads to a repetition of ideas and words. Loss of goal: trouble maintaining a topic and an inability to come to a point.
What is considered an abnormal behavior?
behavior that is atypical or statistically uncommon within a particular culture or that is maladaptive or detrimental to an individual or to those around that individual.
What is an example of clinical psychology?
Not surprisingly, clinical psychologists use an array of therapeutic models to treat their patients. Examples include cognitive therapy, behavior therapy, developmental therapy, and psychoanalytic therapy.
What are the major types of abnormal behavior?
Abnormal includes three different categories; they are subnormal, supernormal and paranormal. The science of abnormal psychology studies two types of behaviors: adaptive and maladaptive behaviors.
What is abnormal psychology?
Abnormal psychology is a division of psychology that studies people who are "abnormal" or "atypical" compared to the members of a given society.
What is the most obvious problem with defining abnormality using social norms?
The most obvious problem with defining abnormality using social norms is that there is no universal agreement over social norms.
What is a violation of social norms?
Violation of Social Norms. Violation of Social Norms. Violation of social norms is a definition of abnormality where a person's thinking or behavior is classified as abnormal if it violates the (unwritten) rules about what is expected or acceptable behavior in a particular social group. Their behavior may be incomprehensible to others ...
What is statistical infrequency?
Under this definition of abnormality, a person's trait, thinking or behavior is classified as abnormal if it is rare or statistically unusual. With this definition it is necessary to be clear about how rare a trait or behavior needs to be before we class it as abnormal.
Why is statistical approach important?
The statistical approach helps to address what is meant by normal in a statistical context. It helps us make cut – off points in terms of diagnosis.
Is hand washing an example of abnormal behavior?
For example, a person who has the obsessive-compulsive disorder of hand-washing may find that the behavior makes him cheerful, happy and better able to cope with his day.
Is screaming in the street normal?
In some societies, such as the Zulu for example, hallucinations and screaming in the street are regarded as normal behavior. Social norms also exist within a time frame, and therefore change over time. Behavior that was once seen as abnormal may, given time, become acceptable and vice versa.
What Is Abnormal Psychology?
Imagine that you are in a coffee shop. You wait patiently in line, you order your drink, you pick up your drink and then you sit and sip it quietly. Others around you do the same thing, and you are able to sit peacefully and read a book or listen to music. In other words, it's a pretty normal afternoon in the cafe. But, what if someone did not stick to the script? What if a man cut in front of everyone in line? Or, what if a woman suddenly starts yelling out nonsense words? Would you still consider it a normal afternoon?
What are the two theories of abnormality?
There are two theories about what causes abnormality: the somatogenic theory and psychogenic theory . Somatogenic theory states that abnormality is caused by a biological disorder or illness. In the example above, somatogenic theory would say that there's something wrong with her brain.
What was the change in the field of abnormal psychology in the US in 1946?
During this year, the National Institute of Mental Health was founded and began providing training through psychiatric residencies. The Hill-Burton Act , a program that funded community mental health hospitals, was also passed.
What was the impact of the year 1946 on the field of psychology?
The year 1946 brought about significant change in the field of abnormal psychology in the US.
What is depression in psychology?
Depression is a general term that covers several different abnormal conditions. Most people who use the term 'depression' refer to someone with major depressive disorder, which is characterized by long periods of low mood and a general loss of interest in the things that they normally enjoy.
What is the treatment of abnormal behavior?
And abnormal behavior is now treated with medication, holistic treatment methods, and client-centered therapy rather than inhumane and ineffective methods that increase suffering.
Why is antisocial personality disorder so difficult to treat?
Antisocial personality disorder is very difficult to treat because patients often charm and manipulate their therapists.
What is abnormal psychology?
Abnormal psychology is the study of brain dysfunctions that cause irregular behaviors, like those exhibited by patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. If you choose to study abnormal psychology, you'll use scientific methods to investigate the causes of these abnormalities. Read on to learn more about this field.
What causes psychological abnormalities?
Other researchers believe that psychological abnormalities are caused by genetic or neurochemical factors.
What degree do you need to teach abnormal psychology?
Those interested in teaching abnormal psychology at the collegiate level usually have a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology.
What causes abnormalities in the body?
Many researchers believe that abnormalities are caused by some combination of biological and environmental factors, according to the NIMH. For instance, some psychologists argue that a person may by genetically predisposed to develop a certain disorder, but the disorder may only appear if that person is also subjected to a specific environmental trigger, like physical deprivation or emotional stress.
How Is Abnormal Psychology Defined?
There are many ways psychologists define "abnormal psychology." But, at its root, the term refers to the study of behaviors and mental illnesses that are unusual and atypical — out of the societal norm. In addition, abnormal psychology deals primarily with major mental and behavioral disorders, or conditions and illnesses that detract from an individual's mental, emotional, and behavioral health, negatively affecting or limiting their life experience. These disorders may also be defined by or include the way an individual's mental or behavioral conditions might negatively affect those in their immediate social environment or society at large.
What Is Involved in the Study of Abnormal Psychology and Its Application in the Professional Context?
Abnormal psychology is involved with all aspects of psychology, from research to practice. Psychological scientists use the scientific method of experimental research to learn about the causes and symptoms of various abnormal disorders as well as the effectiveness of potential treatments (cognitive, behavioral or medical). These scientists use the results of their experiments, the data and information gathered, to form theories, build on or revise existing ones, and develop strategies for the application of their research findings and theories.
What Are Some Mental and Behavioral Disorders That Abnormal Psychology Focuses On?
Abnormal psychology focuses on many different types of disorders as the field is broad in scope. Mood disorders such as major depression, bipolar disorder and dysthymia are among the most commonly diagnosed, along with anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias and the less common obsessive compulsive disorder. Eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are also fairly common in certain populations.
What Treatments Are Used to Address These Disorders?
Clinical and medical treatments also vary according to the specific needs of each individual and their condition and behaviors. Cognitive and behavioral therapy is widely used to address mood disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders, along with antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications where appropriate and effective. Antipsychotic medications are often combined with various forms of therapy to treat psychotic disorders as well as personality disorders and forms of depression. Treatments for mental disorders may also include other forms of therapy from various models such as psychodynamic psychotherapy and humanistic counseling.
What is the purpose of psychology?
The overall purpose of psychology and the psychological sciences could be described as such: To better the mental and behavioral health of individuals and groups of people, leading to greater societal health and advancing human welfare in general . As those with major mental and behavioral disorders perhaps need the most assistance, help, or guidance in order to live a happy, well-adjusted, "normal" life, abnormal psychology's prominent role in the psychological sciences as a whole makes perfect sense.
What are the most common disorders that fall under abnormal psychology?
Major developmental disorders like autism and dyslexia also fall under abnormal psychology.
Is abnormal psychology common?
And although by definition these disorders are abnormal, researchers have found them to be surprisingly common. The study of abnormal psychology is so integral to the psychological sciences that it has become a fundamental part of degree programs such as the Northern Kentucky University (NKU) online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology.
What is abnormal psychology?
The most basic definition of abnormal psychology is that it’s the study of behavior, feelings, emotions, and thoughts that deviate from the norm.
What are the causes of abnormal behavior?
In the past, abnormality was merely defined as a statistical anomaly, but over the years, psychologists have learned that abnormal behaviors, thoughts, and so forth are the result of a combination of factors – most notably, psychological dysfunction, personal distress, and deviance from social norms .
Why do people with Tourette syndrome have abnormal behaviors?
People that have Tourette syndrome exhibit abnormal behaviors because most people do not have tics – this behavior is statistically not the norm.
What is deviance in psychology?
Lastly, deviance refers to behaviors that have departed from the norm. Norms, in this case, refer to “common” or “average” behaviors that have been defined by society, culture, values, customs, and so forth. Therefore, behaviors that lie outside those norms are referred to as deviant.
What is the theory of psychogenetics?
The psychogenetic theory posits that psychological difficulties cause abnormal behaviors, thoughts, and so on.
What are the most common disorders in the DSM?
To organize psychological disorders, the DSM uses broad categories to group similar disorders. Among the most common types are anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, and dementias.
Do psychologists pick a side?
By and large, most psychologists don’t pick a side , but rather see behavior as the result of both psychological and physiological issues.
What is abnormal psychology?
Abnormal psychology examines psychopathology and abnormal behavior. The term covers a range of disorders. Included are mood disorders, personality disorders and any type of behavior that deviates from the norm. This particular branch of psychology is very important, especially when it comes to diagnosing and treating mental illness.
Why is abnormal psychology important?
This particular branch of psychology is very important, especially when it comes to diagnosing and treating mental illness. There are many factors that contribute to mental disorders. Abnormal psychology allows specialists to study, understand, and diagnose certain conditions. Reviewing Abnormal Psychology.
What is the psychoanalytic approach to abnormal behavior?
The psychoanalytic approach of abnormal psychology emphasizes the roles which subconscious memories, thoughts, and urges wield on atypical conduct. In most cases, specialists who approach abnormal psychology from the psychoanalytic angle believe that studying subconscious memories, thoughts, and urges can help improve atypical behaviors. The psychoanalytic approach believes that looking into the feelings associated with the behaviors above makes a positive difference towards rehabilitation.
What is the behavioral approach to abnormal psychology?
The Behavioral Approach. As the name suggests, the behavioral approach to abnormal psychology focuses on the specific conduct of the afflicted individual. The behavioral approach emphasizes positive reinforcement. Positive behavior patterns are important to override the adverse, atypical behaviors.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an excellent form of treatment that can treat mood disorders, which fall under the category of abnormal psychology.
Why is it so hard to treat borderline personality disorder?
But actually, the hardest part of treating this disorder is diagnosing it because many of its symptoms are similar to other mental disorders. Still, treating borderline personality disorder can be difficult. The reason is that their symptoms prevent them from forming positive relationships, including with their therapist.
What is neurodevelopmental therapy?
The treatment and rehabilitation, administered for various psychological disorders, vary and depend upon a series of factors. One primarily important factor is simply the approach which the specialist takes to the existence of abnormal psychology.
Abnormal Psychology – The Exam Questions
Before we know which studies to choose, we have to know what exam questions might appear. The content for the Etiology topic is simple:
Abnormal Psychology – The Studies
The following image shows how 7 studies can cover the topic “Explanations for disorders” (PTSD) in 7 studies. By carefully selecting explanations that are directly relevant to the three approaches, those questions are covered also.
Final Advice
Now you’ve made the exams easier by limiting the studies, focus on the concepts. This includes being able to explain how and why certain factors are associated with PTSD, as well as how and why research methods are used and ethical considerations are relevant.
Defining Abnormality
- There are different ways of defining abnormality, but the following characteristics are usually included: 1. Abnormal behavior occurs infrequently. However, statistical infrequency alone is not a sufficient definition. Some healthy, desirable, and beneficial behaviors also occur infrequently. A…
Perspectives on Abnormal Psychology
- There are a number of different perspectives used in abnormal psychology. While some psychologists or psychiatristsmay focus on a single viewpoint, many mental health professionals use elements from multiple areas in order to better understand and treat psychological disorders.
Topics in Abnormal Psychology
- The main topics in abnormal psychology are the study, understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychological disorders. Psychological disordersare defined as patterns of behavioral or psychological symptoms that impact multiple areas of life. These conditions create distress for the person experiencing symptoms. Mental health professionals use the "Diagnosti…
Criticisms of Abnormal Psychology
- The field of abnormal psychology is not without criticism. In addition to debates over the use of the term "abnormal" itself, some believe that this area has a number of shortcomings. In particular, some feel that this area stigmatizes vulnerable and oppressed people. Critics also suggest that the field of abnormal psychology tends to pathologize normal variations in human behavior.4 So…
A Word from Verywell
- Abnormal psychology may focus on atypical behavior, but its focus is not to ensure that all people fit into a narrow definition of "normal." In most cases, it is centered on identifying and treating problems that may be causing distress or impairment in some aspect of an individual's life. By better understanding what is "abnormal," researchers and therapists can come up with new way…