Abnormal Psyche

Introduction

An abnormality in behavior may be dictated by a person’s perspective, or a person’s view of reality. Who is to say which behavior is normal and which is abnormal. Society has developed over the centuries to become more tolerant of, what was once viewed as abnormal behavior and has begun to focus on the real abnormalities of human beings. It may be normal for some animals to eat their young, but it is not normal for a human to do so. This example is extreme, but it is a good exaggeration of the difference in the norms, that are expected. For the purpose of this essay, we will not discuss the expected societal norms, but we talk of the norms of healthy and productive behavior as it relates to brain function and a person’s ability to live a healthy and productive life.

Origins

The study of abnormal psychology has been formally researched for about 100 years, and revolves around 6 core concepts. (Hansell, Damour 2005) To study normal and abnormal behavior is to study people and ideas. Before Abnormal psychology became a formal discipline, abnormalities, in behavior, were a concern dating back 100’s of years. Theorists sought out answers to abnormal behaviors and diagnosed people as having been possessed by evil spirits and demons or even that they were under a witches spell. But as time has passed and people have become more educated on the workings of the human brain, people have chosen to look at other factors that influence abnormal behavior.

In 1860 Charlotte Perkins Gilman wrote, “The yellow wall paper”, a book that chronicled her breakdown or depression after child birth at the age of 25. This book touched on all 6 of the previously mentioned core concepts which are importance of context, cultural historical, relativism, limitations, multiple causes and mind and body.

Abnormal Psychology 3.

Gilman’s self chronicled case brought to light the idea that behavioral abnormalities lie in brain function. Her depression was originally treated with an order for rest, which confined her to her bedroom for 2 months. This treatment only added to her depression. Realizing that she needed stimulation to help cure her problems she abandoned the ordered rest and realized that the brain stimulation that she experiencing was slowly bringing her out of her postpartum depression.(Karpinsky 1992)

Knowing that abnormal behavior is rooted in the brain, the causes of these brain functions are researched and sought after by therapists and scientists. Psychosocial theory stresses the importance of the developmental stages. What happens in each stage of development is considered to be an important part of healthy growth and development, meaning