The world has recently seen increased attention towards mental health as a result of more occurrences of suicides and depression. However, there is a science that provides some crucial answers to such cases as well as those of behavioral abnormalities. By studying abnormal psychology, the society is better positioned to understand mental health as well as behavioral patterns that are important to the health and general welfare of the population
Abnormal Psychology vs. Mental Illness
The term abnormal psychology is quite broad in its definition and refers to the division of psychology concerned with studying unusual or abnormal behavior and psychopathology (Knifton & Quinn, 2013). Such study of atypical behavior usually takes place within a clinical setting and will often attempt to understand what a particular society may consider as patterns of unusual behavior, thoughts, or emotions. The field deals with disorders and conditions that may range from depressive tendencies to personality disorders. It is important to note that abnormal psychology as a discipline is useful as it relies on psychological science and empirical research in the study of mental disorders. As can be seen from the above explanation, the definition of abnormal psychology encompasses mental illness. While the line between the two may be thin and almost invisible, there is a subtle difference between them. Mental illness is usually a condition that would affect the way a person thinks, feels or their mood (Knifton & Quinn, 2013). Such a condition will typically affect how the individual functions on a daily basis and will have various manifestations in different people.
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Empirical Science: The Science behind Abnormal Psychology
Over the years, the field of psychology has evolved and taken on a more scientific outlook. As with any other science, the emphasis is on creating a body of knowledge from systematic observation and the use of empirical methods (Diener, 2017). Consequently, psychologists and other practitioners in the field must strive to adhere to the tenets of science. Therefore, clinicians, psychologists, and other professionals can use the scientific concepts such as observation and inference to understand better the conditions which they deal with in their field.
First, any work of science has to follow a systematic observation. The fact that abnormal psychology employs psychological science to develop a better understanding of mental and behavioral disorders means that professionals have to make observations and collect data on the subject and their areas of interest (Diener, 2017). As a science, the study of abnormal psychology does not stop at observation but proceeds to the testing phase during which researchers formulate a hypothesis and test them. In doing so, the aim is to get a clear understanding of the subject and to be in a position to describe, predict, and explain how the observed abnormal patterns function.
One of the aspects that define science is the fact that no one has the monopoly of knowledge. Different people are free to conduct studies and make discoveries (Diener, 2017). As with any other scientific field, psychology involves researchers conducting their studies and publishing their findings. Other people can then challenge whatever was previously published or refine it in a bid to have a better understanding of the subject. Ultimately, this means that the science is cumulative as new research is always building on what has been done previously (Diener, 2017). In doing so, there is a body of knowledge that can then be used to gain deeper insights into the world of abnormal psychology.
References
Diener, E. (2017). Why science?. In R. Biswas-Diener & E. Diener (Eds), Noba textbook series: Psychology. Champaign, IL: DEF publishers. DOI:nobaproject.com
Knifton, L., & Quinn, N. (2013). Public Mental Health . Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education.
