Abnormal Psychology: Types, Importance, Books, Colleges, Scope 

Abnormal Psychology is a branch of psychology that is concerned with the study of psychopathology and abnormal behavior. It is referred to in a clinical context and covers a range of disorders such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder among others. Counselors, psychotherapists, and clinical psychologists are the people who study abnormal psychology. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of abnormal psychology, books, and types. colleges, and future scope.

What is Abnormal Psychology?

Abnormal psychology is about the study of patterns of behavior, emotion or thought that can be signs of a mental health condition. Psychologists focus on the amount of distress caused by such behavior, thoughts, or emotions rather than the difference between normal and abnormal. For example, a behavior that is significantly disrupting a person’s life or is disruptive to others is considered an ‘abnormal’ behavior. Such cases require mental health intervention.

Defining Abnormality

Abnormality is defined as a behavior that causes significant distress in a person’s life. Such behavior affects a person’s ability to function and can be socially disruptive and infrequent.

Significance of Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal Psychology is significant in many ways. 

• Understanding mental disorders and their effective treatment has been possible.
• The increase in understanding has resulted in psychologist helping people overcome impairment, relieve distress, and restore functioning.

Must Read –100 Psychology Facts You Must Know!

Types of Abnormal Psychology

The Diagnostic of Statistical Mental Disorders (DSM) lists 10 types of psychological disorders. Below we have listed the main types of abnormal psychology or disorders.

Abnormal Psychology Courses 

To study abnormal psychology students pursue either BSc in Psychology or BA in Psychology.  Some of the main courses that are included in the Bachelor’s of abnormal psychology are as follows.

Must Read- BSc psychology syllabus

Top Universities 

Here is a list of the best universities that students can choose.

Best Books

Below are the best books that you can refer to prepare for abnormal psychology.

Jobs and Salary

Below is a list of jobs that students of abnormal psychology can take up. The salaries of these careers are also provided.

Future Scope 

Students can pursue higher education in this discipline. Moreover, students can also apply for several job opportunities. Abnormal psychologists can work as psychiatrists, Industrial Organizational psychologists, Neuropsychologists, Engineering Psychologists, Clinical psychologists, Counseling psychologists, School psychologists, and Forensic psychologists, among others. Such careers are valuable and high paying as well.

Must Read: Career in Psychology

FAQs

Abnormal Psychology is a branch of Psychology that deals with what is referred to as ‘abnormal’ behavior. It is a significant branch of psychology as it has increased the understanding of mental health disorders and has resulted in efficient treatment of those who suffer from it. There are different types of abnormal psychology. Some of the best universities where you can gain knowledge of abnormal psychology are Harvard University, MIT, and Stanford. To discover more articles like this one, visit the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.