ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY MEANING AND SCOPE Dr P Swarnakumari

ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY – MEANING AND SCOPE Dr. P. Swarnakumari Associate Prof Rehabn. Science

DEFINITION – ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY ► Page : Abnormal psychology is a sub-division (of the subject psychology) that is limited to the study of the mental processes and behaviour of abnormal people. ► Coleman : Abnormal psychology is the field of psychology which specializes in the development and integration of psychological principles for the understanding of abnormal behaviour. ► Kisker : Abnormal psychology is a specialized field of psychology dealing with personality disturbances and behaviour disorders.

► Rosen, Fox and Gregory : Abnormal psychology is an attempt to understand explain the abnormal within the framework of the normal and general. ► Mahoney : Abnormal psychology means the study of deviation or variance from a so-called normal pattern. ► All the above definitions have a common understanding in realizing that abnormal psychology is a specialized branch or field of a discipline which deals with the behaviour and experiences of the abnormal people.

SCOPE OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 1. The study of the abnormals cannot be undertaken until we decide about the normals and the abnormals, or what behaviour and activities make an individual normal or abnormal. Abnormal psychology should essentially throw light on the concept of normality and abnormality in relation to varying situations and environmental conditions. The parameter is the normal population. Hence the study of abnormal psychology, to some extent, should include the study of the normals.

2. All human behaviour has its roots in motives and basic needs. The denial of basic needs and blocking of motives leads to frustrations, conflicts and stresses ending in maladaptive behaviour or maladjustment which, in turn, results in behavioural disorders The subject-matter of abnormal psychology should, therefore, include the study of motives, basic needs, adjustment, frustration, conflicts and stresses.

3. In order to contribute to preventive purposes, abnormal psychology should be able to describe and explain the causes of abnormal behaviour – the condition or factors generating maladaptive behaviour, the symptoms and syndromes of the various behavioural disorders. Since there is need for knowledge of common behavioural disorders, abnormal psychology should essentially include the study of abnormalities or disorders such psychoses, antisocial behavioural like 1. psychopathy, 2. delinquency, 3. crime, 4. drug addiction and 5. sexual deviation.

4. Abnormal psychology, like its main stream psychology, has both pure and applied aspects. In its pure aspect it formulates broad principles, generates theories and suggests techniques for the study of the behaviour of the abnormal people which finds practical shape in its applied aspect where it helps us in taking preventive and curative measures.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES ► (i) Abnormal psychology helps us in protecting ourselves or others from situations or conditions that lead to maladjustment and behavioural disorders. ► (ii) It may lead us to the modifications and restructuring of the uncongenial environment and prevailing circumstances for the growth of adjusted and balanced behaviour leading to a normal and happy life.

CURATIVE MEASURES ► In its extended stage, abnormal psychology applies its knowledge and skills for the treatment of various behavioural disorders by suggesting practicable therapies and measures. Moreover, in its applied form, it tries to nourish related fields like § Clinical psychology, § psychiatric social work and § legal psychology.

The subject matter of abnormal psychology may be considered to revolve round the following main pivots : 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Concept of normality and abnormality Factors that lead to maladaptive behaviour and behavioural disorders. Symptoms and syndromes of the abnormal behaviour. Description of the main behavioural disorders. The treatment of behavioural disorders.

IMPORTANCE OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Prevention and treatment of behavioural disorders or abnoramility. Differentiating abnormals from the normals Knowledge of the causes of abnormal behaviour. Correct notions about abnormality. Environmental modifications for the growth of normality. Knowledge of the symptoms and syndromes of abnormal behaviour. Adopting proper measures for mentally retarded. Adopting proper measures for antisocial behaviour. Helpful in the related fields. Useful in every day life. *****