One of the main issues that comes up in the definition of Abnormal Psychology is that of context. Although many definitions of abnormal psychology have been proposed, they are often questionable in the view of any given society. There have been many attempts at a definition of abnormal. What might seem abnormal to you and I might not seem normal to someone from another society. In the end, it is the society itself that defines the abnormal behavior.
Abnormal Psychology
With that in mind the definition of abnormal psychology that I prefer is more in line with the idea of acceptance that the society itself defines abnormal. In (Comer, 2015) the definition of abnormal psychology is the following, “The scientific study of abnormal behavior undertaken to describe, predict, explain, and change abnormal patterns of functioning.” From this definition we make certain assumptions that abnormal is something that is a deviation from society’s norms.
In keeping with this definition we must further understand just what abnormal is. It would be best looked at in this way, they are behaviors that have been known as psychopathological, are called emotional disturbances or even mental illness. The definition of abnormal psychology is often tied in to what is known as the four D’s of abnormal psychology Deviant, Distress, Dysfunctional, and Danger. (Comer, 2015; Zeepedia.com, n.d.)
Four D’s
Deviant
These behaviors from the view of the society are Deviant in that they are extreme, bizarre and unusual. A deviant behavior is behavior that violates society’s norms. Deviance can be anything from facial piercing or streaking at a football game to writing manifestos while placing bombs in US mail packages or burning down churches because they do not agree with one’s version of religion. Some of these behaviors are so extreme that most societies would condemn them.
Distress
Distress is the next defining component of our definition of Abnormal psychology. In terms of psychology, distress would be when there are thoughts feelings or behavior that cause functional impairment. In other words, at some level the distress gets in the way of everyday life. Not all behavior causes distress. Perhaps the person with the facial piercings is quite comfortable with themselves and thus the behavior does not cause stress just because it is different. However, there are situations in which behavior does cause distress. There really is no way to get around arson as not being a behavior that is distressful.
Dysfunctional
Dysfunctional means that the behaviors thoughts or feelings are disruptive and interfere with daily functions. In most cases abnormal behavior is disruptive. Take the facial piercings, in some ways this could be seen as dysfunctional in that the person who has them might not be able to find work in certain areas. Surely the person who is a terrorist is not one that can function in normal society. For the individual who is engaged in dysfunctional behavior, it is distracting or confusing. These issues make it so that the person might be unable to take care of themselves. They might also get in the way of socialization or in dealing with others.
Danger
Danger. This word conjures up so many ideas. In this context, abnormal psychology, this is behavior that can be harmful to one’s self or others. It is important to note that in most cases the behaviors that persons who suffer mental illness exhibit are not dangerous (Comer, 2015). There are so many persons that struggle with depression irrational thoughts or anxiety who are not a danger to themselves or others.
Are there differences?
So there are two things to discuss on this page for abnormal psychology. Society considers behaviors, feelings and thoughts that are different from society’s norms as abnormal. If this type of behavior goes against laws then it is considered criminal. If it causes psychological problems and becomes pathological or gets in the way of everyday life, then it is considered abnormal. This is an important point that I would like to stress a second time. In most cases this bizarre behavior is not criminal and is not harmful. I say this in deference to the mentally ill who struggle daily with themselves and with society.
The APA defines Abnormal Psychology as the area of psychological investigation concerned with understanding the nature of individual pathologies of mind, mood, and behavior (APA.org, n.d.). I would like to add that the earlier definition included the prediction of the behaviors as well. In the clinical sense there are two sides to this equation. The clinical scientist studies these behaviors and publishes the data. The clinical practitioner uses this data in the assessment and treatment of such behaviors. I believe that any definition should include this aspect. That the purpose and intent of gathering and understanding is to help change the human condition. To remove this aspect of the definition, of aiding or treating those who struggle and suffer with mental illness is to fall short of a true understanding of what abnormal psychology is.
References
Abnormal Psychology
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5 ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
APA.org. (n.d.). Glossary of Psychological Terms. Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://www.apa.org/research/action/glossary.aspx
Comer, R. J. (2015). Abnormal Psychology (9 ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
Zeepedia.com. (n.d.). WHAT IS ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR:Dysfunction Distress Danger. Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://www.zeepedia.com/read.php%3Fwhat_is_abnormal_behavior_dysfunction_distress_danger_abnormal_psychology%26b%3D83%26c%3D2