Purchase Solution

Abnormal Psychology Origins

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

- Briefly describe the historical origins of abnormal psychology
- Give a brief overview of how abnormal psychology evolved into a scientific discipline

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

This solution discusses the origins of abnormal psychology as well as how it evolved into a scientific discipline. Four references are given for this approximately 495 word response.

Solution Preview

Psychology has a history in the disciplines of religion and philosophy in which scientists speculated about the nature and identity of the human being. The role of abnormal psychology is to research questions regarding maladaptive (dysfunctional) behavior and mental processes. The scientific method as to how to study normal vs. abnormal behavior is the focus of abnormal psychology.

- Briefly describe the historical origins of abnormal psychology

Abnormal psychology derived its origins from medical model applied to illness and/or diseases. The concept of abnormal behavior is drawn on the medical model in the early decades of its existence, and based upon medical terminology. According to Watson (2006) what was considered abnormal in scientific inquiry is interpreted differently from earlier conceptions of "abnormal" based on medical models. For example, medical models of abnormality were built upon superstitions, witchcraft and mysticism in which people' behaviors were viewed as ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Anxiety Disorders

This quiz is designed to help students gain a better understanding of various types of anxiety disorders.

A Review of Qualitative and Quantitative methodologies

This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Knowing the difference between the two can help in making the important decision of which to use when conducting research.

Abnormal Psychology

This quiz will explore the faucets of abnormal psychology, from the question of what is abnormal, to the intricacies of DSM diagnosable disorders.

Role of Memory in Learning

This quiz addresses the role of memory in the learning process. The quiz differentiates between the different types of memory that facilitate learning.

Key Psychology Theories and their Developers

Match which psychologist developed and/or contributed to which theory.

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • Origins of abnormal psychology

    352138 Origins of abnormal psychology Please discuss information on the origins of abnormal psychology.

  • Theoretical Models of Abnormal Psychology

    276859 Abnormal Psychology Models a. Briefly examine the origins of abnormal psychology. b. Provide a brief overview of how abnormal psychology has evolved into a scientific discipline. c.

  • The Origins of Psychopathology

    519101 The Origins of Psychopathology (a) Analyze the historical and contemporary views of abnormal behavior and psychopathology, (b) describe the origins of abnormal psychology, (c) provide a brief overview of how abnormal psychology has evolved into

  • Perspectives on abnormal psychology

    368175 Notes on abnormal psychology In your examination be sure to address the following items: a. Briefly examine the origins of abnormal psychology. Include challenges to defining and classifying normal and abnormal behavior. b.

  • Cultural Influences on Abnormal Psychology

    References: Abnormal Psychology, 2008. http://www.psychologycampus.com/abnormal-psychology/ Abnormal Psychology, 2009. http://ccvillage.buffalo.edu/Abpsy/lecture1.html Thank you for using BrainMass.com This solution provides a short discussion

  • Normal and Abnormal Behaviors vs. Normal and Abnormal Psych

    268864 Defining normal and abnormal behavior, as well as normal and abnormal psychology. Give a comparison of normal and abnormal behavior.

  • Timeline of Abnormal Psychology

    584326 Timeline of Abnormal Psychology A timeline that displays the development of abnormal psychology.

  • Analysis of Abnormal Psychology

    abnormal psychology.

  • How Social Workers Use Abnormal Psychology

    286175 How Social Workers Use Abnormal Psychology How do social workers utilize the concepts of abnormal psychology? The focus is to assist families or people who are victims of abuse.

View More Related Solutions