...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Michael Anson Psy 410 Richard Hill February 28, 2013 Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Abnormal psychology, also known as psychopathology, studies different behaviors against what society deems normal. The study of abnormal psychology attempts to answer why some people’s behaviors are unusual, different, or abnormal. For some, abnormal behavior is due to mental illness, childhood trauma, or chemical imbalances in the brain. Because abnormal psychology has no definite boundaries, it is often a controversial field of psychology. It is an ever-changing field for the last 100 years, but several core concepts remain unchanged in abnormal psychology. Evolution of Abnormal Psychology The core concepts of abnormal psychology that caused the field to evolve into a scientific discipline are: the importance of context in defining abnormality; the continuum between normal and abnormal behavior; cultural and historical relativism in classifying abnormality; diagnosis advantages and limitations; principle of multiple causality; and the mind-body connection (Hansell, 2008). Context is important to understand abnormal behavior. An otherwise normal behavior becomes abnormal when the behavior is out of context. For example, sadness and grieving are normal behaviors when a loved one dies. Sadness and grieving; however, are abnormal if a person displays these behaviors when there is no reason such as death or other painful...
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...abnormal psycology Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Jessica University of Phoenix PSY/410 Facilitator: Maria Neely; MA; M.ed. 19 December 2011 Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology * There is a fine line when comparing normal and abnormal behavior. What appears to be abnormal is considered normal by others. Abnormal behaviors are defined as psychopathology, which relates to abnormal behavior that can be defined, classified, explains, and treated (Hansell & Damour, 2008). This paper will examine the origins of abnormal psychology, include challenges to defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior, provide a brief overview of how abnormal psychology has evolved into a scientific discipline, and the last part will analyze the psychosocial, biological/medical, and socio-cultural theoretical models related to the development of abnormal psychology. When assessing a person with a mental health problems looking at factors such as feelings, thoughts, and behaviors can play a very important role. The origins of abnormal behavior started...
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...PSY/410 - ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Week 1: Individual Assignment Instructor: Melda Jones May 2011 The earliest account and confirmation of mental illness were the spiritual approach, which originated from the belief that the supernatural or spirits and gods of an unknown realm has an effect on what happens within their earthly domain. This generated a very distinctive way of explaining mental disorders that stem from the physicians of ancient Greece and Rome, yet there were individuals who took a less animistic approach and viewed the behaviors and actions from a biological and scientific aspect (Hansell, 2008). According to the New World Encyclopedia, abnormal psychology is defined as; “a field devoted to the study of causes of mental dysfunctions” (NWE, 2010). Remarkably, this definition as well as many others is indefinite and very vague giving that this field is about 100 years old. The description of what signifies as being abnormal has fluctuated over time as well as cultures. In addition, individuals in society vary in what they may regard as being normal or abnormal behavior. However, throughout the history of this field, decisions on how to define, classify, and explain what abnormal or normal is has been a very difficult task to do. The reason for such difficulty is because of the awareness that defining abnormality creates certain concrete glitches like individuals being...
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...Abnormal Psychology Roshaun Hatchett PSY/410 April 25, 2012 Dr. Christopher Daub Abnormal Psychology Abnormal psychology has been in existence for more than a century. Mental illness was approached from a spiritual point of view. Individuals of certain beliefs would misdiagnose others from the spiritual perspective and would assume that evil spirits controlled his or her’s physical, mental, and observable world (Tyrer, 2010). The following will be covered in this document: the origins of abnormal psychology, classification of normal and abnormal behaviors, how abnormal psychology evolved into a scientific discipline, and the theoretical models related to the development of abnormal psychology. The practice of trephination, a procedure that bore holes in a individuals skull to release evil spirits, was taken place in 3000 B.C. in Peru and Bolivia (Tyrer, 2010). Hippocrates was the first to approach abnormal behaviors from a biological perspective. He believed, “When the fluids were out of balance, this was the cause of mental illness” (Tyrer, 2010, para. 6). His theory was considered and almost close to the truth, in time his theory was proven to be inaccurate. Years later, Freud suggested the idea of conscious and subconscious processes to be the explanation of odd behaviors. He continued to suggest ideas from a psychodynamic perspective, but in the end lacked evidence in his theory. Freud’s theory inspired Wilhelm Wundt to elaborate on his theory. He...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Autumn Messina PSY/ 410 February 18, 2012 Stephen Sharp Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Over the years abnormal psychology has undergone so many different changes but finding the root of abnormal behaviors has been the one key element to these theories to help treat those suffering from a mental illness. In the paragraphs below there will be discussion about the origins of abnormal psychology and the challenges of defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior. An overview of how abnormal psychology has evolved into scientific discipline and how psychosocial, biological/medical, and socioculture models are related to the development of abnormal psychology. Everybody around us is not perfect and we all have some type of misunderstanding about us but with some it is worse than others. Some people have problems with depression to obsession-compulsion and these behaviors would fall under abnormal psychology. For us to understand abnormal psychology we have to know what the meaning of abnormal means. Many of our behaviors follow what is called a normal curve. This curve is shaped like a bell and most individuals are clustered at the highest tip of the curve, which would be considered normal or average. According to Cherry (2012), “people who fall very far at either end of the normal curve might be considered abnormal” (para. 2). Many things in our life can cause stress or disruption, which...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Marisol Malagon PSY/410 October 10, 2011 Maria I. Neely Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology In this paper I will examine the origin of abnormal psychology, include the challenges, which define, and classify normal, and abnormal behavior. I will provide an overview of how abnormal psychology has evolved into a scientific discipline, and analyze the psychosocial, biological, medical, and socio-cultural theoretical models related to the development of abnormal psychology. Scientific characterization regarding what is abnormal includes five criteria’s, they are: help seeking, irrationality or dangerousness, deviance, emotional distress, and significant impairment. Help seeking, irrational or dangerous, and deviance are indicators, which link abnormality under its circumstantial nature. Emotional distress and significant impairment are considered useful and functional scientifically, this makes the two preferred, in this day in age for psychopathology. The last two may happen externally of the realm of psychopathology, but this rarely happens without the two. The criteria acts together as an explanation, which is helpful for clinical standpoint but may not apply in all situations. Nevertheless, a complete comprehension regarding the history of abnormal psychology must be taken into account. The origin of abnormal psychology goes as far back before Biblical history (Damour & Hansell, 2008). The animal-spiritual...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Sandra Hall PSY 410 - Abnormal Psychology May 6, 2013 Dr. Kristi Husk Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Psychology is a diverse discipline with many facets. Throughout the years, scientists have developed a variety of disciplines to understand and explain human behavior from their respective fields. One such development is the discipline of abnormal psychology. It is a relatively young discipline and consists of six core concepts. These concepts aid in the diagnosis of abnormal behavior, and includes various theoretical models to help understand psychopathology. The Origins of Abnormal Psychology and Its Evolution into a Scientific Discipline Andrew Colman defines abnormal psychology as “a branch of psychology devoted to the study of the classification, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and disabilities” (Colman, 2009, p. 2). The desire to understand human behavior and (mental) illness dates back to the Ancient Greeks. In 460 BCE, Hippocrates documented his first attempts to understand mental illness. He believed illnesses are the result of an imbalance of various bodily fluids. Hippocrates’ observations led to the development of the very first biological theory of mental illness and emphasized the importance of the observation of the patient’s symptoms rather than relying on religious beliefs (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Hippocrates’ findings began the progress of...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Abnormal Psychology PSY 410 January 30, 2012 Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology For many years, various forms of madness have been noted in every culture. Multitudes of theories, as well as some myths, have been developed to explain such conditions. Society’s opinion on what was considered abnormal was based on such phenomenon as paranormal forces, the anger of the gods, the influence of the moon, unstable personality, hereditary factors, and debauchery (Frude, 1998). History shows that theorists continue to develop a variety of theories to explain psychological disorders. These theories usually fall in one of three basic categories: mystical/supernatural (possession of spirits), scientific/medical (biological, imbalances, faulty learning processes, or emotional stressors), and humanitarian (cruelty or inadequate living conditions) (Frude, 1998). Each of these theories and the ongoing advancements in knowledge has been the foundation of the study of abnormal psychology. To comprehend the effort that these aspects of psychology have had in this field of study, it is important to know the origins of abnormal behavior, how this behavior was recognized and treated, how abnormal psychology evolved into a scientific discipline, and the theoretical models related to the development of abnormal psychology. Origins of Abnormal Psychology and the Evolution of the Scientific Approach Abnormal psychology has been...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Psy/410 October 9, 2012 Toni Heath Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology For a number of years, multiple forms of hysteria or madness have been seen in every society and culture. Vast varieties of theories, and many myths as well as legends, have been developed to help better explain such disorders and conditions. Society’s view on what was considered to be abnormal behavior was often determined on these particular phenomenon’s, as well as paranormal forces, unstable personality, the anger of the gods, hereditary factors, the influence of the moon, and debauchery. Throughout time history has shown that theorists are continually developing a vast amount of theories to help explain psychological issues. These theories typically fall under three basic categories: scientific/medical (biological, imbalances, emotional stressors, or faulty learning processes), humanitarian (cruelty or inadequate living conditions), and mystical/supernatural (possession of spirits), (Frude, 1998). To get a fuller and better understanding many theorist focus these ideas of psychology have had in their field of study, because it is good to know the beginnings or the origins of unusual or abnormal behavior, knowing how these behaviors are treated and noticed, even to known how it evolved into a scientific discipline, is just as important to the history. The concepts of abnormal psychology has been studied for centuries, but what...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology PSY/410 What is Abnormal Psychology? Abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology also referred to as psychopathology and abnormal behavior. Abnormal psychology covers a broad range of disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder to sexual deviation. Counselors and clinical as well as psychotherapists work directly with developing a cure (Cherry, 2012). There are many ways to define abnormality: statistical infrequency, violation of social norms, failure to function adequately, and deviation from ideal mental health. The first abnormality is statistical infrequency and with this example according to McLeod (2008), “Under this definition of abnormality, a person's trait, thinking or behavior is classified as abnormal if it is rare or statistically unusual. With this definition it is necessary to be clear about how rare a trait or behavior needs to be before we class it as abnormal”. Violation of social norms is probably one of the most common ways people associate abnormalities. An individuals thinking or behavior is defined as abnormal if they violate the rules that are expected or consider acceptable behavior in a social group. If their behavior is threatening or causes others to feel uncomfortable these individuals are in violation of social norms. Social behavior varies based on different cultures (McLeod, 2008). Failure to function is considered an abnormality due to an individual being unable to cope with...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Nicole Theriault PSY/410 October 8, 2012 Dr. Sevet Johnson Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology The study of abnormal behavior has been a topic of debate and profound interest for nearly 100 years. Abnormal psychology outlines the differences between what is considered normal or abnormal behavior among people of all ages and walks of life. Throughout the evolution of abnormal psychology, areas of focus within the discipline have been broken down into six core concepts, which provide for more accurate definition(s) of what is considered to be normal and abnormal behavior in individuals. To fully understand the scope and significance of contemporary abnormal psychology, it is important to understand that psychopathology and its origins has evolved into a scientific discipline and are met with constant challenges to defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior. The following will discuss the origins of abnormal psychology, how the field has evolved into a scientific discipline in addition to a brief analysis of the psychosocial, biological/medical, and sociocultural theoretical models, which directly relate to the development of abnormal psychology. Origins of Abnormal Psychology The science of abnormal psychology is still considered to be relatively young and having only existed for approximately 100 years. However, the presence of psychopathologies among people worldwide has been recorded...
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...Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Ann Bacon Psy/410 Abnormal Psychology October 24, 2011 Kristi Lane University of Phoenix Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology What is abnormal psychology? Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that deals with behaviors that are not considered normal as well as psychological phenomena such as dreams and altered mental states, which have not been explained. The goal of this branch of psychology is to understand abnormal behavior as well as to determine how and if the behavior needs to be addressed and to develop a treatment plan that will help individuals. This branch of psychology also recognizes that there are many influences such as environmental influences on psychological development. The goal of many mental health professionals is not to force an individual to achieve normality but to help individuals who struggle with mental and emotional disorders to achieve fulfilling and active lives. However, to completely understand what abnormal psychology is we need to understand the origins of abnormal psychology as well as the challenges of defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior. It is also important to understand how abnormal psychology evolved into a scientific discipline as well as the different viewpoints or models of abnormal psychology. The following paragraphs will hopefully help us to completely understand the branch of abnormal psychology. Origins of Abnormal Psychology The field of...
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...Week 1 Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology PSY-410 Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology The best theoretical model incorporates aspects of multiple theories, recognizing that historically, psychology is a very young science, as is the field abnormal psychology. This fledgling scientific field has been developed to aid in understanding the causes of, and treatments for, abnormal behavioral disorders. Although the primary purpose of the science is to benefit those suffering from abnormal behaviors and disorders, some less than beneficial means were employed through the annals of time. Treatments have ranged from torturous procedures to imprisonment to sympathetic therapy occurring before the official formation of psychology. Following the breakaway from philosophy, numerous theorists and treating professionals worked diligently to support and legitimize the science of psychology, improve treatment, and improve supportive practices for those who exhibit abnormal behavior patterns. Origins of Abnormal Psychology Abnormal behavior and treatments have been recognized extensivly throughout history long before the development of psychology as an independent science. During the height of the Greek and Roman civilizations, those with mental illnesses were treated quite well and provided with “baths, exercise, and emotional support” (Hansell & Damour, 2008, p. 26). Unlike the original Greek and Roman asylums, patients in the post-Roman era were treated...
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...History and Overview of Abnormal Psychology Gary D. Neer PSY/410 March 9th, 2012 Analu Sing History and Overview of Abnormal Psychology The science of abnormal psychology or known as psychopathology tends to be a controversial science. Within this science, there is no simple or direct answer, nor any precise definitions. As with the origin and still today, identifying normal from abnormal behavior is still challenging. However, to understand this science of mystery, one should look into the origin of abnormal psychology; including the challenges in defining what is abnormal psychology and categorizing normal and abnormal behavior, how abnormal psychology evolved, and analyze the psychosocial, biological, and socio-cultural theoretical models related to the development of abnormal psychology to come to a better understanding of abnormal psychology as a discipline. Origin of Abnormal Psychology Abnormal psychology has been a continuous debate throughout history. Psychologists have development many theories trying to explain psychological instability. Generally, history has place abnormal psychology (psychopathology) into three diverse explanations (Barlow & Durand, 2004).The mystical view regards abnormal behavior as a direct result of supernatural possession. Between 1800 B.C. and 1700 B.C, the Hammurabi’s, in the Mesopotamian region, viewed abnormal behavior as the self-possession of gods, ghosts, and spirits, which caused disease in a person’s body or mind (Hornstein...
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...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology PSY 410 December 23, 2013 Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Introduction In psychology, there are many branches such as cognitive psychology, behavioral psychology, and developmental psychology, but the most difficult would be abnormal psychology. It is difficult because the word “abnormal” is difficult to define. Defining “abnormal” is difficult because it means an individual is not following what is socially normal, but with different cultures, there is no way to set a normal standard of socially acceptable behavior (University of Texas, n.d.). “Abnormal” can be defined as expressing behavior that is either destructive to themselves, family, friends, or co-workers (University of Texas, n.d.). With this definition, individuals need to be able to understand the origins of abnormal psychology, the challenges in defining and diagnosing normal and abnormal behavior, how it has evolved into methodical discipline today, and the theoretical models that help diagnose and treat irregular behaviors. Ancestries of Abnormal Psychology Historically, abnormal psychology is a reasonably young science of approximately one hundred years, although there have been abundant recognized incidents of emotional disorders (Hansell & Damour, 2008). These incidents found in the Bible, which describes people suffering from illnesses known as depression and schizophrenia in today’s world (Hansell & Damour, 2008). In some cultures...
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