Live Life Team
Psychology is an applied science that deals with the scientific investigation of the mind and its mental functions and processes, particularly in relation to behaviour. The vast scope of psychology includes sub-fields and specialty areas that are in a process of constant growth and are evolving due to the variance in human behaviour. One of the sub-fields under the study and practise of psychology is the study of Abnormal Psychology.
Abnormal Psychology deals with the scientific study of abnormal behaviour and thoughts, including emotional and mental disorders. It is concerned with the systematic investigation of the types or classification, cause and root, prognosis and diagnosis, risk factors, prevention, and treatment of psychological disorders.
Generally, the study of Abnormal Psychology encompasses the maladaptive behaviour of humans. This is a challenge, particularly for professionals dealing with psychopathology who have the task of defining what abnormal behaviour is. Throughout history, three main approaches have been used to describe and define abnormal behaviour: the supernatural approach; biological approach; and psychological traditions. Three core concepts were derived to explain abnormal behaviour, including cultural and historical relativism, the rationale of multiple causality, and the relation between the mind and body. The first concept has been proposed by societies who try to describe abnormal human behaviour as being related to being possessed by evil spirits and the practise of exorcism. The principle of multiple causality infers that abnormal behaviour is caused by precipitating and predisposing causes. The third concept relates psychological abnormality with physical factors such as genetics and neurochemistry.
The essence of the study of abnormal psychology is its emphasis on the investigation of abnormal human behaviour and its attempt to classify various mental aberrations.
