Abnormal Behavior Essays (Examples)

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Abnormal Behavior
What essentially qualifies as "abnormal behavior" is not always as cut and dry as many believe. For example, the medical model defines abnormal behavior in terms as the result of some physical problem (cellular derangement, chemical imbalance, or genetic issue) that causes the behavior; however, there are no physical markers for the majority of the diagnoses in the DSM-IV (Szasz, 2008). The legal definition of insanity, which was based on psychiatric definitions, is that abnormal behavior occurs when the individual is unable to distinguish between right and wrong; however this definition is far too extreme to be practical (Porter, 2002). For instance most rapists realize that their behavior is wrong by societal standards amd yet rape is certainly considered by most as abnormal.

The four commonly held criteria for normal vs. abnormal behavior include: (1) Statistical infrequency model, which states that abnormal behavior that falls on either extreme end of….


Forcing transgendered people to change at any age is usually futile, and could increase rather than alleviate any trauma the boy feels regarding his identity. However, given the difficulties the boy may experience in the future, encouraging the parents to get the boy counseling, without labeling the boy as 'abnormal' would be a wise step.

Part B

The reasons that individuals identify with opposite-gendered behaviors and physicality are not clearly understood, even by the individuals themselves. Adults who select sexual reassignment surgery often say that they never felt as if they could express their true selves, before surgery. However, in the case of this young boy, it is uncertain whether he will select such surgery in the future. His character is still unformed.

Given the age of the boy, it would seem wisest to support him in his choice, as his parents have, but without labeling his behavior as conclusively masculine or feminine.….

Their messages became extremely scary and confusing.
Based on his rigorous training as a professional athlete, Aldridge was not one to quickly turn to get help and admit his problems. So, for a while, Aldridge kept his schizophrenia to himself. He attempted to rid himself of them by simply ignoring them. However, the voices began to get more and more intense and Aldridge had a harder and harder time keeping his illness a secret. The voices became incredibly antagonizing and tortured Aldridge with delusions of incompetence and extreme self-loathing. Eventually, he could no longer control his reactions to the voices, "I started talking back to the voices, bickering and pleading and cursing," (Aldridge 2009:1). Thus, with this erratic behavior, rumors began circling about Aldridge being on drugs and in an unstable mental state. His declining state led him to loose his job, family, and friends. He lost everything and became….

In this regard, these authors report that, "Twenty years ago, it would not have been uncommon to find a core team of medical doctors and nurses managing all inpatient activities in a hospital setting, with ancillary support from social workers, psychologists, and volunteers. The pattern has now changed dramatically" (Stravynski & O'Connor, p. 606).
Contributing to the increasingly rapid evolution of abnormal psychology into a strictly scientific discipline, at least in Western allopathic medicine, has been the introduction of a multidisciplinary approach that includes healthcare practitioners in a wide range of fields. According to Stravynski and O'Connor (1999), "There are now more psychologists and social scientists than doctors and nurses working in mental health. Psychotherapy is no longer the preserve of a medically trained psychiatrist, and, notwithstanding the view that psychiatric expertise is not transferable, nurse therapists, counselors, and psychologists have all developed skills as therapeutic professionals" (p. 606). The….

Age and Normal/Abnormal Behavior
When defining and classifying what is normal and abnormal behavior, age itself can become challenge and make it difficult to come up with a proper classification. Many aspects of the definition of age itself, makes it nearly impossible to assign its very presence to normality. Who is it the makes the rules and guidelines to determine what is appropriate behavior given a certain age? Does one expectation from one person at a certain age guarantee that it will be applicable to other individuals at that age within a social and cultural construct? Age is a factor that influences the definition of normal and abnormal behavior, but it is also one that makes it the most difficult to analyze.

Age makes it challenging when classifying what is normal and abnormal behavior on both sides of the spectrum, both when individuals are young, and when they are elderly (Link et….

normal and abnormal behavior. Abnormal behavior is that which is deemed pathological, and is usually incommensurate with a particular situation or background events. There may also be a lack of temperance in behavior that is considered abnormal, such as that which is deemed compulsory. Other distinctions between abnormal and normal behavior pertain to temporal elements. For instance, it is normal for everyone to experience negative feelings such as sadness, rage, frustration, etc. However, a chronic indulgence in such behavior is usually a key indicator of abnormal behavior. Those who regularly engage in such negative behavior over a sustained period of time are more than likely not engaging in normal behavior -- especially if such behavior is not equitable to the source of such sentiment that is causing the behavior (Diagnosis and Assessment, 2007).
Another key distinction between normal and abnormal behavior pertains to the impact of such behavior on the….

Abnormal psychology is a field in psychology that addresses dysfunctions in behavior which are determined abnormally by standards of behavior .These standards have been established by clinical professionals in the field such as medical doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists. Behaviors considered to be abnormal are; schizophrenia, depression, attention deficit disorder, eating disorder, sexual deviance, obsessive compulsive disorder and anti-social disorder (Cherry, 2012). These disordered function outside the normal parameters of the functional behaviors considered to be standard. The paper will look at the origins of abnormal psychology and challenges when it comes to the classification and definition of normal and abnormal behavior. It will also look at how abnormal psychology has evolved into a scientific discipline. It will finally look at the theoretical models that have led to the advancement of understanding psychopathology.
Origins of Abnormal psychology

Abnormal psychology has been undergoing tremendous changes and progress. It is a very controversial field of….

Abnormal Psychology is often misunderstood as a field of psychology because it deals with behavior that "creates a problem for an individual or society" -- and hence, the question immediately arises as to just what is "abnormal" and what is "normal"? The AP Psychology 7th Edition (Sharpsteen, et al., 2005) text suggests that abnormal behavior is "maladaptive or pathological behavior" and before determining whether a behavior is abnormal or not, the "total environment and impact of a person's behavior" must be taken into consideration. Moreover, abnormal psychology does not attempt to link "normal and abnormal" with the concepts of "good and bad," Kendra Cherry explains. Abnormal psychology deals with "psychopathology and abnormal behavior" covering a wide swath of disorders, including sexual deviation, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, to name a few (Cherry, 2008).
The History and Evolution of Abnormal Psychology into a Scientific Discipline

In 800 B.C., Homer believed that mental illness results when….

Abnormal Psychology:pop Culture
Abnormal Psychology: Pop Culture

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Abnormal Psychology: Pop Culture

In asking the question of what abnormal psychology is really supposed to be, it makes sense that we must first quickly think about the very definition of our word "abnormal . By all rights, is a remarkably puzzling word that is very dependent on what is called "normality . Both terms may justifiably change fundamentally from one era to another and one culture to a different one. How then do we choose upon what is abnormal and what is normal? Of course, this is much more of a philosophical issue than a psychological one. For logical reasons of practicability, it is essential to generate an approximately uniform definition of abnormal psychology that we can more or less decide upon as a cluster of caregivers. This general definition would obviously be typical in its nature, but the shared definition of the….

The DSM explicitly "strives to be atheoretical, using merely observationally referent terms. The hope with this is to make the manual as acceptable as possible to professionals with different theoretical orientations (Gilles-Thomas 1989, Lecture 2). Specific criteria and systematic descriptions are offered as guidance for making diagnoses. "Essential features, associated features, prevalence rates, sex ratios, family patterns, and differential diagnoses are listed" and it is noted when "alternative or additional diagnoses…should be considered," such as the possibility that a manic episode could mask itself as schizophrenia (Gilles-Thomas 1989, Lecture 2). This might occur if the clinician was unacquainted with the patient and the patient's past history of depression, for example, and/or mood disorders in the patient's family.
Also key to the efficacy of the DSM in approaching the ideologically and theoretically charged world of abnormal psychology is its multiaxial system. The multiaxial system "allows for a more holistic and comprehensive….

There were two major ideas of the origin of abnormal behaviors. The somatogenic perspective viewed the abnormal behaviors came from biological causes, while the psychogenic perspective believed that psychological factors were more dominant in the existence of abnormal behavior, (Comer 2006). Scientists began to see patters within various types of abnormal behavior, which then helped to facilitate the study of such behaviors and how they might be handled in order to treat individuals; scientists found that there were sets of symptoms which "appeared together regularly enough as having a biological cause, much as a particular medical disease may have an associated set of symptoms ad may be attributed to a biological dysfunction," (ScribD 2005). During the Twentieth Century, people began to see abnormal psychology as its own discipline, with behavioral attributes being caused by both physical abnormalities as well as deep rooted psychological issues (Comer 2006). Today abnormal behavior….

The family is embarrassed when the subject goes out because of her antics, but gets frustrated remaining in the same house with her. The mother is torn between what she knows is right for her daughter and what will make her daughter happy. As previously mentioned, the two did not get along well in the daughter's childhood years. In addition to the subject, her mother felt the strain of this relationship bitterly. She still deals with the trauma it caused her. This lack of a relationship between the two women, and the presence of a father who, when rarely in the home, took the position of a strict disciplinarian lead to a stunted development for the subject. Although the abnormal behavior did not begin until after the accident, teachers recall mild paranoid behavior and odd actions toward her mother as early as high school's sophomore year.
Typical Day for the….

Behaviorism focuses almost exclusively on the outward manifestations of mental illnesses. Underlying emotions, childhood memories, and dreams are trivialized in order to focus on bad habits or dysfunctional behaviors. Behavioral therapy employs methods based on classical and operant conditioning including systematic desensitization and aversive conditioning. Talking therapy is not an integral part of behavioral interventions.
Cognitive therapies may, however, combine both talking therapy with behavioral techniques. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a specific subset of cognitive psychology and includes interventions like rational-emotive therapy. The methods used by cognitive-behavioral therapists encourage the client to address and change faulty thoughts, irrational beliefs, and other underlying cognitions. The ultimate goal is to change behavior as well. Cognitive psychologists may focus more exclusively on altering negative thought patterns such as guilt and self-hatred. The therapeutic intervention acknowledges the role that childhood upbringing and repressed anxiety plays in the creation of mental illness. However, cognitive psychologists are….

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
PAGES 5 WORDS 1642

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and Issues
Reproductive Tract Diseases for human females are typically focused in the upper reproductive tract or the lower reproductive tract. The upper tract includes the fallopian tubes, ovary and uterus, while the lower reproductive tract focuses on the vagina, cervix and vulva. There are three major types of infections: endogenous, iatrogenic and sexually transmitted diseases. Endogenous diseases arise from internal cellular structures and may be bacterial, viral or genetic, usually the most common and arise from an overgrowth of organisms that are already present in the vagina; iatrogenic diseases are the result of medical or surgical treatment, and sexually transmitted diseases occur between humans as a result of sexual behavior. In addition to infections, there are congenital abnormalities, cancers and functional problems. Each infection has its own specific cause and symptoms; caused by bacteria, virus, fungi or other organisms. Indeed, some are easily treatable and cured, others….

Abnormal Psychology
Many women are afraid of getting older and are willing to do right about anything to appear always young. infarct many people perceive it is rude to ask a woman her age since the society has no room to accommodate old women and the changes that their bodies go through. It is not possible for women in the society not to struggle with issues of their appearance .this has resulted to many women trying to change how they look as they age so that they can be accepted in the society. They go to an extent of denying themselves food and applying anti-wrinkle cream so that they maintain their states of their bodies and faces.

Aging is always a taboo subject with women as compared to their male counterparts. Women are afraid of the aging factor due to the perceptions in the society. The society tends to create stereotypes that….

As an AI, I do not have personal beliefs. However, many people believe that animals should have the freedom to roam in their natural habitats rather than being confined in zoos. This is because animals in their natural habitats are able to exhibit their natural behaviors, social structures, and physical abilities. Additionally, animals in zoos can suffer from stress, boredom, and health issues due to confinement. Many argue that conservation efforts should focus on protecting and preserving animals in their natural environments rather than keeping them in captivity.
Those in favor of animals having the freedom to roam in their natural....

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2 Pages
Research Paper

Psychology

Abnormal Behavior What Essentially Qualifies as Abnormal

Words: 677
Length: 2 Pages
Type: Research Paper

Abnormal Behavior What essentially qualifies as "abnormal behavior" is not always as cut and dry as many believe. For example, the medical model defines abnormal behavior in terms as the…

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6 Pages
Research Proposal

Psychology

Abnormal Behavior Three Case Studies

Words: 1598
Length: 6 Pages
Type: Research Proposal

Forcing transgendered people to change at any age is usually futile, and could increase rather than alleviate any trauma the boy feels regarding his identity. However, given the difficulties…

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2 Pages
Research Proposal

Psychology

Abnormal Behavior Lionel Aldridge Case

Words: 758
Length: 2 Pages
Type: Research Proposal

Their messages became extremely scary and confusing. Based on his rigorous training as a professional athlete, Aldridge was not one to quickly turn to get help and admit his…

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4 Pages
Essay

Psychology

Abnormal Behavior and Psychopathology Although

Words: 1250
Length: 4 Pages
Type: Essay

In this regard, these authors report that, "Twenty years ago, it would not have been uncommon to find a core team of medical doctors and nurses managing all…

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2 Pages
Essay

Psychology

Age and Normal Abnormal Behavior When Defining and

Words: 842
Length: 2 Pages
Type: Essay

Age and Normal/Abnormal Behavior When defining and classifying what is normal and abnormal behavior, age itself can become challenge and make it difficult to come up with a proper classification.…

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2 Pages
Discussion Chapter

Psychology

Normal and Abnormal Behavior Abnormal Behavior Is

Words: 583
Length: 2 Pages
Type: Discussion Chapter

normal and abnormal behavior. Abnormal behavior is that which is deemed pathological, and is usually incommensurate with a particular situation or background events. There may also be a…

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4 Pages
Essay

Psychology

Abnormal Psychology Is a Field in Psychology

Words: 1359
Length: 4 Pages
Type: Essay

Abnormal psychology is a field in psychology that addresses dysfunctions in behavior which are determined abnormally by standards of behavior .These standards have been established by clinical professionals in…

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3 Pages
Essay

Psychology

Abnormal Psychology Is Often Misunderstood as a

Words: 1101
Length: 3 Pages
Type: Essay

Abnormal Psychology is often misunderstood as a field of psychology because it deals with behavior that "creates a problem for an individual or society" -- and hence, the question…

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5 Pages
Essay

Psychology

Abnormal Psychology pop Culture Abnormal Psychology Pop Culture

Words: 1812
Length: 5 Pages
Type: Essay

Abnormal Psychology:pop Culture Abnormal Psychology: Pop Culture (You're name) (You're school) Abnormal Psychology: Pop Culture In asking the question of what abnormal psychology is really supposed to be, it makes sense that we must…

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8 Pages
Thesis

Psychology

Abnormal Psychology Theories Issues Diagnosis

Words: 2437
Length: 8 Pages
Type: Thesis

The DSM explicitly "strives to be atheoretical, using merely observationally referent terms. The hope with this is to make the manual as acceptable as possible to professionals with…

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2 Pages
Thesis

Psychology

Abnormal Psychology Within Any Society

Words: 612
Length: 2 Pages
Type: Thesis

There were two major ideas of the origin of abnormal behaviors. The somatogenic perspective viewed the abnormal behaviors came from biological causes, while the psychogenic perspective believed that…

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3 Pages
Thesis

Children

Abnormal Person Affects Behaviors Cognitions

Words: 794
Length: 3 Pages
Type: Thesis

The family is embarrassed when the subject goes out because of her antics, but gets frustrated remaining in the same house with her. The mother is torn between…

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2 Pages
Essay

Psychology

Abnormal Psych Each of the

Words: 573
Length: 2 Pages
Type: Essay

Behaviorism focuses almost exclusively on the outward manifestations of mental illnesses. Underlying emotions, childhood memories, and dreams are trivialized in order to focus on bad habits or dysfunctional…

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5 Pages
Research Paper

Disease

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Words: 1642
Length: 5 Pages
Type: Research Paper

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and Issues Reproductive Tract Diseases for human females are typically focused in the upper reproductive tract or the lower reproductive tract. The upper tract includes the fallopian…

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4 Pages
Essay

Sports - Drugs

Abnormal Psychology Many Women Are Afraid of

Words: 1405
Length: 4 Pages
Type: Essay

Abnormal Psychology Many women are afraid of getting older and are willing to do right about anything to appear always young. infarct many people perceive it is rude to ask…

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