Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal psychology is an academic and applied subfield of psychology involving the scientific study of abnormal experience and behavior (as in neuroses, psychoses and mental retardation) or with certain incompletely understood states (as dreams and hypnosis) in order to understand and change abnormal patterns of functioning. The definition of what constitutes 'abnormal' has varied across time and across cultures, and varies among individuals within cultures. Today, persistent abnormal functioning is often associated with a mental disorder. In general, abnormal psychology studies people who are consistently unable to adapt and function effectively in a variety of conditions. An individual's ability to adapt and function can be affected by a number of variables, including one's genetic makeup, physical condition, learning and reasoning, and socialization.... Mehr