Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal psychology originated quite some time ago.  There have been many challenges arise while classifying and defining normal and abnormal behavior.  Over time abnormal psychology developed into a scientific discipline, which has increased our knowledge of abnormal behavior and pathology.  There are several different theoretical models pertaining to abnormal psychology.  Psychopathology has been greatly impacted by these theoretical models. 

Origins of Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal psychology has been around for a mere 100 years, which makes a relatively new science.  Although it has been around for a short time, there have been recordings of mental illnesses long before the origin of abnormal psychology.  “We can find stories in the Bible, for example, which describe people suffering from what today would be called depression and schizophrenia” (Bark, 1988; Kahn, 1975, as cited by Hansell & Damour, 2008).  Animism was one of the earliest recorded accounts of mental illness, which is the belief in spirits and the power that they hold.  When one was thought to be possessed by an evil spirit either an exorcism or a trephination was performed.  “Exorcism is a ritual, usually carried out by religious authorities, in which evil spirits thought to be causing pathological behavior are “cast out” of the suffering person” (Hansell & Damour, 2008, p. 26).  Trephination was a surgical procedure in which a whole was drilled into an individual’s skull, which was thought to release the trapped evil spirit.

Challenges in Defining and Classifying Normal and Abnormal Behavior

One challenge in defining abnormal behavior is the fact that abnormal behavior is relative to culture and society.  Abnormal behavior in America may be completely normal in another country.  In on a smaller scale, abnormal behavior is relative to groups, families, and towns.  There are also challenges when it comes to classifying abnormal behavior.  Since every individual has his or her own distinct personality it is hard to place him or her in a certain category. There is no clear cut classifying system that can accurately and consistently diagnose patients, there are challenges in creating an effective classifying system.  There has been a long standing argument on classifying abnormal behavior and whether a classifying system would be beneficial or not.  “Thomas Szasz and theorists from the humanistic perspective argue that attempts to categorize psychopathology do more harm than good because no diagnostic system can do justice to the uniqueness of individuals’ emotional problems” (Hansell & Damour, 2008, p. 72). 

Abnormal Psychology and its Evolution into a Scientific Discipline

Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.E.) was a physical and Greek philosopher. He developed the first well-known theory that described when four humours, or fluids, within the brain became unbalanced it led to diseases and mental disorders.  “Among the four humours, too much blood was thought to cause moodiness; too much phlegm to cause lethargy; too much black bile to cause melancholia (depression), and too much yellow bile to cause aggressiveness and anxiety” (Hansell & Damour, 2008, p. 165).  Although Hippocrates theory was flawed, it led to other Greek physicians looking into biological causes for mental disorders. 

During the beginning of the twentieth century two new perspectives were developed, which were somatoform disorders and psychophysiology.  Both studies looked at the mind-body connection.  There are four types of somatoform disorders, “in which psychological stress causes physical symptoms or distress about physical features but no actual medical disorder is present” (Hansell & Damour, 2008, p. 205).  Psychophysiology suggests that psychological stressors cause symptoms of physical illness. 

Freud’s psychodynamic theory was the first comprehensive theory of psychopathology and is associated with emphasis on unconscious mental processes, emotional conflict, and the influence of childhood on adult life (Hansell & Damour, 2008).  Freud was attracted by hypnosis, which was used as a means to treat hysteria.  Freud’s theory suggests that the unconscious is responsible for behavior. 

Theoretical Perspectives That Have Influences Psychopathology

There have been a number of theories that have advanced our understanding of psychopathology.  These theories include: biological, psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems/socio-cultural.  “In abnormal psychology, unlike some other scientific fields, several different theoretical perspectives have been developed and continue to exist side by side” (Hansell & Damour, 2008,  p. 35). Biological theoretical models have greatly influences the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.  Biological factors, such as chemical imbalances have helped psychologists to better understand the brain and psychopathology.   Abnormal biochemical functions and physical formations, such as the brain, are the focus of Biological theories of psychopathology. 

The psychodynamic approach focuses on unconscious thoughts, feelings, motives, as well as childhood experiences.  “Psychodynamic interventions help clients gain insight and mastery over these conflicts and repetitive patterns” (Hansell & Damour, 2008, p. 61).  Humanistic theories suggest that a healthy and validating relationship between patient and therapist is the best treatment.  “Through a warm, loving, interpersonal relationship with the therapist, the client gains satisfaction of love and belongingness needs and thereby acquires feelings of confidence and self-worth” (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 300).  Existential perspectives encourage people to create meaning in his or her own life.  “Existential therapy encourages clients to confront their anxieties and to make important decisions about how to relate to others” (Kent State University, n.d., slide 23). 

Behavioral theories focus on behavior and how it is learned.  “Behaviorists focus on three types of learning that can account for normal and abnormal behavior: classical conditioning (learning based on automatic mental associations), operant conditioning (learning based on reinforcement and punishment), and modeling/ social learning (learning based on observation and imitation)” (Hansell & Damour, 2008, p. 61).  Cognitive theories are similar to behavior theories, which also focus on behavior as well as feelings.  Both theories suggest therapeutic methods that help the individual to learn and change thoughts, feelings, and behavior.  Behavioral and cognitive perspectives greatly influence mental illness by enabling therapists to better help his or her patients.  “The sociocultural and family systems perspectives focus on how social, cultural, and familial environments contribute to mental disorders” (Hansell & Damour, 2008, p. 63).  “Social and cultural influences have been studied in relation to four distinct thought related aspects of psychopathology: its diagnosis, its occurrence and distribution; public attitudes; and treatment” (Rosenzweig, 1974, p. 223).  It is important that the environment of an individual is considered when diagnosing and treating him or her for a mental illness. 

Conclusion

Abnormal psychology originated around 100 years ago.  Sense then there has been a lot of improvements, but not without challenges.  Abnormal behavior is relative, which means that every culture has their own definition for normal and abnormal behavior.  Also, since every person is unique it is hard to place them in specific categories concerning abnormal psychology.  Freud’s psychodynamic theory, which suggests that behavior is caused by an individual’s unconscious, made an everlasting influence on abnormal psychology by being the first comprehensive theory.  Theoretical approaches to abnormal psychology have influenced our understanding of abnormal psychology and therefore have improved the treatment methods used on those with mental illnesses.  Abnormal psychology is the study of mental illnesses, which have been impacted by many factors since its origination. 

References

Hansell, J., & Damour, L. (2008). Abnormal psychology (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Feist, J., & Feist, G. J. (2009). Theories of personality (7th ed.) [University of Phoenix Custom Edition eBook]. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Kent State University. (n.d.). Abnormal Psychology [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from http://www.personal.kent.edu/~dfresco/Abnormal_Notes/Ch_3_Models.pdf.

Rosenzweig, M. R. (1974). Annual reviews of psychology, Volume 25. Palo Alto, California: Annual Reviews Inc.