It is responsible for analyzing maladaptive behavior to determine what the consequences may be and how to address them. Abnormal psychology is viewed from various perspectives so that more effective intervention can be made.
When studying mental disorders or abnormal behavior in individuals, there is often a difference of opinion among specialists when looking for causes from a psychological and biological perspective. However, this situation can have various origins, which is why we must talk about the psychology of abnormal behavior.
Before going deeper into the topic, it is necessary to know what abnormal behavior is. It is also known as maladaptive behavior, and it shows disturbances in the way a person thinks, feels or perceives the world . This type of behavior causes problems in life and ranges from minor fears to a severe alteration of reality and the inability to function independently.
Abnormal behavior can trigger a series of consequences that, in some cases, are not easily observed, such as anxiety or depression . The symptoms that occur are so mild that, apparently, they could not be taken into account. Therefore, the intervention of abnormal psychology is essential.
What does abnormal psychology study?
It is a branch of psychology, focused on the study of individuals who do not have the ability to adapt and cope in a variety of conditions . It analyzes unusual patterns of human behavior, emotion and thought, which may or may not initiate a mental disorder.
In the book Psychopathology. Abnormal Psychology: The Problem of Maladaptive Behavior (2006), by the American psychologist Irwin G. Sarason , it is stated that this type of psychology “focuses on maladaptive behavior, along with its causes, consequences, and treatments. This discipline is related to how it feels to be different and the behavior of society toward people it considers different.”
There are two paradigms on which abnormal psychology is based. On the one hand, there is the psychological paradigm that studies the causes and effects of human beings , from knowledge to behavior. On the other hand, there is the biological paradigm, which focuses on analyzing genetics and neurochemistry as physical factors.
For Sarason, mental problems have the property of creating many situations that can cause disabilities, such as facing a reality that does not exist or not being able to respond to the concerns that are perceived most intensely. In this way, abnormal psychology helps people to find mental stability based on the following postulates:
Always think logically and rationally.
Effectively deal with stress and life challenges in different situations.
Demonstrate sufficient stability and emotional growth.
How does abnormal psychology arise?
Since the beginning of societies, human behavior has been cpa email list analyzed, and it has been shown and determined that some individuals displayed normal behavior and others abnormal behavior. The abnormality of these “misunderstood” individuals was attributed to the intervention of evil spirits, causing mental problems.
However, over the centuries, some characteristics were identified that responded to certain behaviours typical of mental disorders, such as melancholy, hysteria, dementia and even hallucinations. Thus, it began to be believed that these states were generated from within the person and not by external influence.
It was not until the 16th century that the German physician Johann Weyer founded what is known as modern psychopathology - the scientific study of abnormal behavior -, allowing for the analysis and treatment of mental disorders. He was one of those who thought of psychotherapy, based on understanding, interpretation, observation of behavior and therapeutic treatment.
Learn more about the main psychological currents .
How is normal behavior different from abnormal behavior?
Abnormal behavior is considered an extreme manifestation of normal behavior in individuals, since this dichotomy is part of the changing personality of human beings. Both behaviors are the product of learning, which is affected by the interactive environment and by different biopsychosocial conditions. However, there are some differences between normal and abnormal behavior, such as the following:
Normal behavior creates feelings of security and trust to establish positive and reciprocal relationships. While abnormal behavior generates distrust, which prevents having stable relationships.
Normal behavior allows us to become aware and have the ability to self-evaluate and understand ourselves. Abnormal behavior is impulsive and does not allow us to analyze situations realistically.
Normal behavior helps people work toward achieving social goals while maintaining respect for others. Abnormal behavior, on the other hand, involves a lack of interest in meeting norms and goals, generating conflict with other people.
Normal behavior implies being aware of one's motivations, desires, ambitions and feelings, allowing one to have a realistic life plan. However, abnormal behavior does not promote motivation or ambition and mostly prevents one from having expectations in life.
Normal behavior generates a broad control over stress, which helps maintain balance in the face of difficult events. Abnormal behavior generates constant anxiety and tension, which implies a low tolerance for frustration.