Definition

Noun: - The branch of psychology concerned with abnormal behavior: This field of study focuses on understanding, classifying, diagnosing, and treating patterns of emotion, thought, and behavior that are considered atypical, distressing, or dysfunctional.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She decided to specialize in abnormal psychology to better understand schizophrenia and mood disorders.
  • The textbook on abnormal psychology covers topics from anxiety disorders to personality disorders.

Advanced Usage

• "theories in abnormal psychology": refers to the various explanatory models (e.g., biological, cognitive, behavioral) used to understand psychological disorders.
  • The course explores different theories in abnormal psychology.
• "clinical practice and abnormal psychology": highlights the connection between this academic field and its application in therapeutic settings.
  • His research bridges clinical practice and abnormal psychology.

Variants and Related Words

• Psychopathology (n): Often used as a synonym, this term can refer more specifically to the scientific study of psychological disorders or to the disorders themselves.
  • The journal publishes research on psychopathology.
• Clinical psychology (n): A broader related field that applies psychological science to understanding and treating mental health issues, often relying on knowledge from abnormal psychology.

Synonyms

• Psychopathology: The study of mental disorders.
• Psychology of deviance: Focuses on behavior that deviates from societal norms (a closely related but sometimes distinct concept).

Related Phrases

• Study of mental disorders: A descriptive phrase for the focus of abnormal psychology.
  • Her life's work is the study of mental disorders.
• Diagnosis and assessment: Core activities within the field of abnormal psychology.
  • The seminar focused on new methods for diagnosis and assessment.

Noun

1. the branch of psychology concerned with abnormal behavior