The term abnormal psychology may not be the most popular, even in the world of psychology, because of the connotations that this term may have, however, as seen in this article, its field of study is well known.
To understand abnormal psychology, it is essential to first understand what we mean by the term “abnormal”. At first glance, the meaning seems obvious: abnormal indicates something that is outside the norm.
- Abnormal psychology focuses on the study and treatment of mental and emotional disorders that interfere with a person’s ability to feel and perform daily activities.
These disorders can be the result of physical or emotional trauma, genetic inheritance or imbalances in the chemical components of the brain. People with them often need treatment with medication, psychotherapy, or both.
In this sense, abnormal psychology studies people who are “abnormal” or “atypical” compared to members of a particular society.
There are different perspectives on abnormal psychology. While some psychologists or psychiatrists may focus on a single point of view, many use elements from multiple areas to better understand and treat psychological disorders.
These perspectives are the psychoanalytic approach, the behavioral approach, the medical / biological approach, and the cognitive approach.
The psychoanalytic approach to abnormal psychology is rooted in Sigmund Freud’s theories. The main hypotheses include Freud’s belief that the anomaly comes from psychological without physical causes, that unresolved conflicts between the ego and the superme can contribute to the anomaly.
The psychoanalytic approach suggests that many abnormal behaviors arise from unconscious thoughts, desires, and memories. Although these feelings are external to consciousness, they are believed to still influence conscious actions.
Professionals who take this approach believe that by analyzing memories, behaviors, thoughts, and even dreams, people can discover and manage some of the feelings that have led to dysfunctional behaviors.
The behavioral approach to abnormal psychology focuses on observable behaviors. Behavioralists believe that our actions are largely conditioned by experience than by the underlying pathology of unconscious forces. Therefore, the anomaly is considered to be the development of dysfunctional (i. e. harmful) behavior patterns. for the individual.
This approach focuses on the environment and how abnormal behavior is acquired. Abnormal behavior states that any behavior (including abnormal behavior) is learned from the environment and that any behavior that has been learned can also be “unrecovered” (this is how abnormal behaviors are treated).
In behavioral therapy, the focus is on strengthening positive behaviors and eliminating reinforcements that dysfunctional behaviors can do, so the behavioral approach leaves aside the influence of information processing itself and focuses on history (stimuli/strengthening) and consequences (behavior).
The medical/biological approach to abnormal psychology believes disorders have an organic or physical cause, so it focuses on the possible biological causes of mental illness. This approach focuses on understanding the underlying cause of disorders; therefore, the origin can be found in genetic inheritance, associated physical diseases, infections and chemical imbalances.
This approach holds that mental disorders are related to the physical structure and functioning of the brain, so medical treatments are often and essentially pharmacological in nature, although drugs are generally used in conjunction with certain types of psychotherapy.
The cognitive focus of abnormal psychology focuses on thoughts and their power to influence our behavior and feelings. This approach studies how information is processed in the brain and the impact of this treatment on behavior.
The basic assumptions are
The individual is considered an active information processor, how does a person perceive, anticipate and evaluate the facts?, is his contribution to reality?, is what will shape his behavior. In addition, this approach says that many of these thoughts occur automatically, without us nodding.
Abnormal psychology may focus on atypical behavior, but its purpose is not to ensure that everyone fits an exact definition of “normal. “
In most cases, it focuses on identifying and treating problems that can cause distress or deterioration in certain aspects of a person’s life. Abnormal: Understand what causes harm as abnormal: Researchers and therapists can improve the interventions they offer in consultation.