LEARNING TEAM B: ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY AND THERAPY 1
Learning Team B: Abnormal Psychology and Therapy
In your paper, you explore both normal and abnormal psychology and the impact of
various mental disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and obsessive-
compulsive disorder. You also discuss several therapeutic approaches, such as psychodynamic
therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and pharmacotherapy.
Considering the complexity of mental health and the varying perspectives on what
constitutes "normal" versus "abnormal" behavior, how do societal influences and cultural
differences shape our understanding and treatment of psychological disorders? Please discuss
with reference to at least two mental health disorders from your paper and support your answer
with examples from the therapies discussed.
Word Count Requirement: 800-1000 words

LEARNING TEAM B: ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY AND THERAPY 2
Learning Team B: Abnormal Psychology and Therapy Paper
Learning Team B: Abnormal Psychology and Therapy Paper
Normal psychology is the study of human behavior focusing on traits and
behaviors that are deemed socially acceptable or average. Normal is also decided by
behaviors favored within society, conforming to the expectations of those around us.
Abnormal is quite the opposite, which the person doesn’t function in the “normal”
expected manner. Abnormal behavior is the study of “unusual” human behaviors, to
include, the study of mental disorders. Abnormal psychology is also known as
psychopathology, which “focuses on responses that cause a significant amount of
damage or distress in a person's life” (WiseGeek, 2014).
Cultural differences can define and change perspectives on what is normal or
abnormal psychology. There has been much debate on if society has created mental
illnesses to brand and punish those that fail to conform to “society’s standards of
normality.” The labeling theory can be very dangerous, turning people into something
they may not be; this could then cause discrimination towards them from others
(Kowalski & Westen, 2011). As we look into mental disorders and illnesses, we will be
able to identify therapies which help the person become a functioning member of
society (Capen, 2010).
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness. It can be severe and disabling for
those affected by it. Individuals who suffer from it have symptoms such as hearing
voices, believing that others are able to read their minds, or that others are plotting to

Learning Team B: Abnormal Psychology and Therapy

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