What Is Abnormal Psychology?

The term "abnormal" is the subject of ongoing debate. Defining "normal" behaviour and who holds the authority to make such judgments is complex. Social norms, which often serve as benchmarks for distinguishing between normal and abnormal, can evolve, complicating efforts to establish a definitive definition.

This article provides an overview of abnormal psychology, exploring the diverse topics studied within this discipline. It also addresses the challenges of defining abnormality and critiques levelled against the field.

What is abnormal psychology?

Abnormal psychology is a specialised branch within the field of psychology that explores psychopathology and atypical behaviour, encompassing various emotional, cognitive, and behavioural patterns that may indicate mental health conditions. This domain covers a wide spectrum of disorders, ranging from depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to personality disorders.

Professionals such as counsellors, psychologists, and psychotherapists frequently work within this field, often in clinical settings. Rather than focusing solely on the binary distinction between normal and abnormal, practitioners in abnormal psychology pay particular attention to the degree of distress associated with specific behaviours, thoughts, or emotions.

How is abnormal psychology defined?

Defining abnormality involves recognising behaviours that pose challenges in an individual's life or disrupt interactions with others, potentially resulting in needing mental health support. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly one in five U.S. adults struggles with a mental illness.¹

Key characteristics of abnormal psychology are typically considered to be as follows:

• Statistical Infrequency: Abnormal behaviours occur less frequently, yet statistical rarity alone is insufficient to make a definition. Some uncommon behaviours are healthy or beneficial, while others are irrelevant to functioning
• Distress: Abnormal behaviours cause distress to the individual or disrupt others, impacting emotional well-being and social harmony
• Impairment in functioning: Those exhibiting abnormal behaviours often struggle to maintain normal functioning in daily life, affecting relationships, work, school, and home responsibilities
• Social disruption: Abnormal behaviours may defy social norms, impeding individuals' abilities to navigate social settings and maintain relationships¹

Diagnosis

Identifying psychological conditions through behavioural cues is crucial for ensuring individuals receive appropriate support and interventions to improve their quality of life. Accurate diagnosis plays a pivotal role in empowering mental health professionals to equip individuals with effective coping mechanisms.

Therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians are tasked with diagnosing abnormal psychological disorders. The American Psychiatric Association recommends a structured approach to diagnosis outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This standardised system offers a reliable framework for diagnosing abnormal behaviour, drawing from research, empirical evidence, and clinical insights.

By employing a standardised diagnostic system, clinicians can consistently identify mental health conditions and tailor treatment plans accordingly. This approach facilitates the evolution of diagnostic terminology and enhances understanding and support for individuals experiencing mental health conditions. It's important to note that the purpose of diagnosis is not to stigmatise individuals with a label but rather to empower them with insights and assistance.

Different perspectives in abnormal psychology

Abnormal psychology employs various perspectives to understand and address psychological conditions. While some practitioners may adhere to a single approach, many integrate elements from multiple viewpoints to enhance treatment effectiveness.

Psychoanalytic approach

This approach, rooted in Sigmund Freud's theories, says that abnormal behaviours often originate from unconscious thoughts, desires, and memories.² Therapists analyse memories, behaviours, thoughts, and dreams to help individuals uncover and address underlying feelings contributing to maladaptive behaviours and distress.

Behavioural approach

This perspective emphasises observable behaviours. Behavioural therapy focuses on reinforcing positive behaviours while discouraging maladaptive ones. Therapists employ techniques such as classical and operant conditioning to eliminate unwanted behaviours and instil new ones, targeting behaviour without necessarily delving into underlying causes.³

Cognitive approach

Focused on internal thoughts, perceptions, and reasoning, the cognitive approach explores how these factors contribute to psychological disorders. Cognitive therapies aim to modify individuals' thoughts or reactions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) integrates cognitive and behavioural techniques to address psychological disorders comprehensively.

Medical approach

Centred on biological causes of mental illness, the medical approach approach highlights understanding disorders' underlying physiological factors, including genetic inheritance, chemical imbalances and infections. Treatment often involves pharmacological interventions, frequently complemented by psychotherapy.

Which mental health conditions apply to abnormal psychology?

Several classifications of psychological disorders include:

• Anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and generalised anxiety disorder
• Mood disorders, including conditions like major depressive disorder
• Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder
• Neurocognitive disorders, which encompass conditions like delirium
• Personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
• Substance use disorders, such as addictions

Criticism of abnormal psychology

Apart from the ongoing debate surrounding the term "abnormal" itself, critics point out several other concerns within the field: 

• Some argue that abnormal psychology can contribute to the stigmatisation of vulnerable and marginalised groups. Moreover, there's a suggestion that the field tends to pathologise behaviours that may simply represent normal variations in human experience⁴
• The medical model of mental illness often prioritises biological and genetic factors while overlooking broader contextual influences. This narrow focus fails to acknowledge significant cultural variations in defining what makes normal versus abnormal behaviour

Research indicates that simply educating individuals about abnormal psychology may not effectively reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. For instance, one study found that teaching students about abnormal psychology failed to improve attitudes toward mental illness or increase help-seeking behaviours.⁵

Summary 

In summary, abnormal psychology is a complex field that explores psychopathology (the scientific study of mental illness or disorders) and atypical behaviour, encompassing various emotional, cognitive, and behavioural patterns indicative of mental health conditions. 

Rather than solely focusing on the binary distinction between normal and abnormal, professionals in this field pay attention to the degree of distress associated with specific behaviours, thoughts, or emotions. Key characteristics considered in defining abnormality include statistical infrequency, distress, impairment in functioning, and social disruption. 

Mental health professionals employ a structured approach outlined in the DSM-5 to diagnose abnormal behaviour, facilitating consistent identification of mental health conditions and tailored treatment plans. Abnormal psychology employs various perspectives, including the psychoanalytic, behavioural, cognitive, and medical approaches, to understand and address psychological disorders. 

Critiques of abnormal psychology highlight concerns such as the potential stigmatisation of vulnerable groups and the tendency to pathologise normal behaviours. Moreover, the medical model of mental illness may prioritise biological factors over broader contextual influences and cultural variations in defining abnormal behaviour. 

Overall, while abnormal psychology plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, ongoing debate and critique are essential for refining approaches and addressing potential shortcomings within the field.