Abnormal Behavior

Student Name:

Institution Affiliation:

Course Name:

Date:
Introduction
It might be challenging to explain what is meant by abnormal behavior. Abnormal

conduct can be described in a variety of ways, including "insanity, craziness, lunacy, or

emotionally disturbed," to mention a few. However, psychologists haven't been able to agree on

a single, accepted definition of aberrant behavior. This is a general definition of abnormal

behavior, which is defined as dysfunctional and socially abnormal activities that cause the

individual involved psychological discomfort and have the potential to be harmful to others or

themselves. A behavior that is abnormal can be defined as one that is maladaptive or harmful to

an individual or to those around them, is statistically uncommon within a certain society, or is

both. Such actions are often misinterpreted as indicators of an emotional or mental condition,

which can vary from simple adjustment difficulties to psychosis. These are unusual behaviors

that are frequently viewed unfavorably because they depart from customary or ordinary

behavior.

A behavior that deviates from social norms is referred to as abnormal behavior. The

abnormalities might range from minor mood swings to grave examples of persons contemplating

suicide or disrobing in public. There are numerous disputes surrounding the definition of

aberrant behavior, including what does and does not qualify. What would be considered weird in

society X might be entirely normal in society Y. In spite of this, aberrant conduct can be

observed anywhere, and most psychologists concur that everyone exhibits abnormal behavior at

some point in their lives. So, abnormality is not limited to a specific demographic and can strike

anyone at any time in their lives. I'll talk about several instances of abnormalities and aberrant

behavior in this assignment.

 According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, outlines four

primary criteria for recognizing aberrant conduct in individuals (Adams et al,2002). Social norms

breaking, statistical rarity, emotional suffering, and maladaptive behavior are the four criteria

(Foley & J. P, 2018). It takes meeting more than one of these criteria for behavior to be judged

abnormal, as none of them can stand alone.

Therapists who fall into these three categories psychologists, psychiatrists, and social

workers are by far the most common. However, they have received distinct forms of academic

instruction. Psychologists are the only profession that requires graduate training. The American

Psychological Association (APA) recognizes a PhD, PsyD, or EdD as the minimum acceptable

level of education for psychologists . Some states allow those with master's degrees in

psychology to call themselves psychologists. All dimensions of human behavior are covered in

depth throughout graduate study, with an emphasis on rigorous scientific methods. The typical

timeline for completing a PhD, PsyD, or EdD degree is four to six years of coursework,

supported by one to two years of full-time monitored patient work and licensing tests. Some

states do allow psychologists to prescribe psychiatric medicines with the proper education and

licensing, however this is not the situation in the vast majority of the country.

Graduates of an accredited medical school will get one of two degrees: the MD or the

DO. Residents have the opportunity to pursue advanced psychiatry training alongside their

primary residency (Wahl et al,2010). Psychiatrist training programs typically focus on the

biological aspects of mental illness. Psychiatrists have the training to provide medication, and

they often combine drugs with psychotherapy. Social workers can advance their careers by

enrolling in graduate social work schools and earning degrees like the master of social work or

licensed clinical social worker. A year of internship experience in a local organization usually
follows the first two years of schooling. As part of their psychotherapy training, social workers

learn to familiarize their clients with local resources.

 References

Adams, H. E., Luscher, K. A., & Bernat, J. A. (2002). The classification of abnormal behavior:

An overview. Comprehensive handbook of psychopathology, 3-28.

Wahl, O., & Aroesty‐Cohen, E. (2010). Attitudes of mental health professionals about mental

illness: A review of the recent literature. Journal of community psychology, 38(1), 49-62.

Foley Jr, J. P. (2016). The criterion of abnormality. The Journal of Abnormal and Social

Psychology, 30(3), 279.