Overview of the history, definitions, and approaches to studying abnormal behavior, including cultural considerations and the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
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Definition
- Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that studies unusual patterns of behavior, emotion, and thought that may or may not be understood as a mental disorder.
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Criteria for Abnormality
- Statistical deviance: behavior far from the average.
- Personal distress: the individual is suffering.
- Maladaptiveness: behavior interferes with daily functioning.
- Violation of social norms: behavior breaks unwritten cultural rules.
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Historical Perspectives
- Supernatural explanations (possession, punishment from spirits).
- Biological explanations (Hippocrates' four humors).
- Psychological explanations (Freud's psychoanalysis, behaviorism).
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Modern Approach
- Uses the biopsychosocial model, combining biological, psychological, and social factors to explain and treat disorders.
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Why It Matters
- Understanding abnormal psychology helps in accurate diagnosis, reduces stigma, and guides effective treatment planning.