Abnormal psychology has been shown to have a distinct contribution to society, specifically in areas such as the criminal justice system, treatment of mental disorders and addiction. Abnormal psychology contributes to educational and research efforts in a number of different ways. One way that abnormal psychology helps to contribute to our culture is through its focus on individual personality. Academic researchers are continually looking at the relationships between abnormal psychology and various psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and even attention deficit disorder (ADD). In fact, the growing body of evidence suggests that abnormal psychology can help to explain many of the facets of ADD/ADHD.
However, abnormal psychology also has its critics, who point out that there is little empirical evidence to support much of the research that has been done on abnormal psychology and the disorders that it diagnoses. One of the most widely cited criticisms of abnormal psychology is that it often diagnoses disorders based on symptoms. For instance, an adolescent who displays violent behavior may be diagnosed as clinically depressed. The criticism goes on to state that these diagnoses are frequently inaccurate, as the symptoms exhibited by children are often very similar to those exhibited by adults. Another problem with abnormal psychology is that many of the disorders that are diagnosed are either not life-threatening or present only as minor inconveniences to daily life.
While the criticism is most often legitimate, there are also some valid concerns about the overdiagnosis of conditions, particularly because some behaviors that are considered abnormal are common among many other children and adults. Perhaps the most common abnormal behavior is abnormal anger. In fact, many doctors will diagnose anger problems in their patients as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or bipolar disorder, when in reality the child really has no serious psychological issues.
Parents also play a significant role in how their child’s abnormal behavior is treated. Unusual punishment can have an effect on a child’s development. Parents should discuss with their child the consequences of their actions with the utmost patience and understanding. They should not punish a child because they fear the child will grow up to be an angry, bad child. Instead, parents help children understand why punishment is part of the developmental process, but they should let the child know that the punishment will have a positive impact on them in the future.
Another concern is how parents treat their child’s toes. Most psychologists recommend physical therapy for children with abnormal psychology, such as attention deficit disorder or bipolar disorder. This therapy can help the child to deal with the emotions of anger, frustration, and sadness. Therapy also helps the child to make eye contact and learn how to redirect the negative emotions into more rational responses. Many children who receive psychological treatment from a professional tend to be much happier than those who receive traditional parenting methods.
Abnormal child behaviors can interfere with a child’s ability to live his life to the fullest. A child with abnormal psychology can act and feel like a child who wants to stay inside all the time. He will probably want to stay inside all the time and avoid social contact or any type of outside stimulation. Children with abnormal psychology can be a handful and can even drive their parents crazy.
Parents can help their children with abnormal psychology by not allowing them to participate in activities or events that they dread or fear. The child should be allowed to develop their social skills and have the freedom to make choices about their own life. The parents should never punish their child or show them in an aggressive manner. When treating a child with abnormal psychology, it is important to remember that you are dealing with a child, and should be handled with kid-like intelligence, patience, kindness, consideration, respect, and love.
