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Abnormal Behavior

Definition

Abnormal behavior refers to patterns of thoughts, feelings, or actions that deviate from what is considered typical or socially acceptable. It is viewed as an illness caused by dysfunctional parts of the organism.

Analogy

Imagine a car with malfunctioning parts. Just like how abnormal behavior is caused by malfunctioning parts in our bodies, a car may exhibit strange behaviors if its engine or other components are not working properly.

Related terms

Psychopathology: Psychopathology refers to the study of mental disorders and abnormal behavior. It focuses on understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of these conditions.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM): The DSM is a widely used manual in psychology that provides criteria for diagnosing various mental disorders. It helps clinicians classify abnormal behaviors based on specific symptoms.

Biopsychosocial Model: The biopsychosocial model considers biological, psychological, and social factors when explaining abnormal behavior. It emphasizes that multiple factors contribute to the development of mental disorders.