This paper provides an introductory overview of the field of abnormal psychology, tracing its origins from ancient societies through the development of modern psychiatric theory. It examines how cultural perceptions of "normal" and "abnormal" behavior have shifted over millennia, from Paleolithic trepanation and demonic explanations to the scientific frameworks introduced by Emil Kraepelin and Sigmund Freud. The paper also discusses abnormal psychology's emergence as a scientific subdiscipline and outlines the three primary theoretical models used in the field — psychosocial, biological/medical, and sociocultural — explaining how each approach identifies and guides the treatment of abnormal behavior.
Human behavior has long been studied in order to understand how people generally interact with one another. Ideas about what is considered "normal" versus "abnormal" have changed since ancient times. A brief overview of the origins of abnormal psychology, its evolution into a scientific discipline, and the basic theoretical models will provide a better insight into this topic.
Abnormal psychology is the study of abnormal behavior in order to describe, predict, explain, and change abnormal patterns of functioning (Hansell & Damour, 2005). Since ancient times, many societies have attempted to treat and understand mental disorders. Some early societies believed that the mentally ill were dangerous people with insufficient self-control to be considered normal (Comer, 2003). As far as historians can ascertain, Paleolithic people saw no distinction between medicine, magic, and religion. Thus, mentally ill patients were dealt with harshly and inhumanely, through extreme methods aimed at releasing the demons or spirits believed to inhabit the minds of the "abnormal." Evidence of this mindset appears in archaeological digs dating as far back as 8,000 B.C., where skulls have been found with holes drilled into them (Long, 2009). Furthermore, many early societies believed that demons caused abnormal behavior, and those suspected of being affected by evil spirits were sent to prisons or asylums.
Because the treatment of abnormal behaviors was wholly based on cultural perception, ancient societies viewed torture as an acceptable option. The drilling of a hole into a person's skull — a practice known as trepanation — was thought to allow the demon or spirit to escape the individual, thereby correcting the abnormal behavior (Comer, 2003). During the Inquisition, individuals displaying deviant or abnormal behavior were subject to being burned, pressed, hanged, or otherwise killed. In the early part of the 20th century, asylums still existed; however, the work of Sigmund Freud and others led to the development of psychotherapy to help treat those with "abnormal" behaviors. Modern science and physicians began to understand that "abnormal" behaviors were rooted in cultural relativism and were not always indicative of a mental illness or disease (Long, 2009).
During the 1700s and 1800s, people began investigating the idea that abnormal behavior could be caused by serious personal problems and even physical conditions. Comer introduces the German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin and the famous Austrian physician Sigmund Freud as the developers of key theoretical models for abnormal behavior. Their work, along with the research of others, ultimately led to the development of psychotherapy as a means of treating individuals with "abnormal" behavior.
There are many different approaches to the study of psychology, each involving the examination of the mind from a different viewpoint. Abnormal psychology, a subfield of psychology, has no single established core theory, unlike disciplines such as mathematics, physics, or chemistry (Long, 2009). In order to treat patients with psychological disorders, professionals in the field draw on knowledge gained from clinical psychology — particularly from studies related to psychopathology. Beginning in the 1900s, researchers proposed several theories and treatments of abnormal psychology that centered on the interplay of psychological, physical, and social conditions in individuals and society. During its early development, psychology was often studied alongside philosophy, but today it is more commonly applied within the fields of neurology and physiology (Comer, 2003). Modern psychological theories have since found practical applications in areas such as business, personal development, computer science, health, and sports — and the field of abnormal psychology is no exception.
"Psychosocial, biological, and sociocultural model definitions"
The study of abnormal psychology stems from our natural need to explain behavior that differs from what is considered "normal." Throughout history, humans have sought to understand, cope with, and treat individuals who exhibit abnormal behavior. As psychology and all its subfields have evolved into applied disciplines, theoretical models have helped define specific avenues of research and treatment within the field of abnormal psychology.
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