Defining Abnormal Psychology

Defining Abnormality Paper

Elaine Moore

University of Phoenix

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Abnormal behavior is stunningly obvious in some and quietly hidden in others, but who is to say what is normal? The field of abnormal psychology is ever-changing and this paper will provide some examples of the various challenges involved with abnormal behavior. In this paper the reader will learn about historical relativism, age, and cultural challenges in defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior. This paper will also inform the reader how classification of abnormal behavior can vary widely based on situational factors. The human mind is as intricate as a silken spider’s web and the study of abnormal psychology assists us in unraveling these delicate threads.

Historical Relativism

Historically, abnormal behavior has been around about 100 years. Throughout its history, decisions about how to define, classify, explain, and treat abnormal behavior have revolved around six core concepts that continue to shape the field of abnormal psychology (Hansell & Damour, 2005). Historical relativism refers to changes over time in a particular culture’s views of abnormality. So many forms of mental illness have been present throughout recorded history and reach back as far as Biblical days (Hansell & Damour, 2005). Every society tries to understand and manage people who seem abnormal. There were primitive explanations such as animism and spiritual theories used in primitive or pre-modern societies. Practices known as trephination and exorcism were two methods used during that time period (Hansell & Damour, 2005). For centuries, people were sent to asylums where treatments varied and were often horrifying. In the 18th and 19th centuries, numerous reformers worked diligently to improve conditions. Pinel, Dorthea Dix, Hippocrates, and Galen are some of the pioneers during that time (Hansell & Damour, 2005).

Abnormalities...