Joshua Baker
PSY303
Debra Booker May 29, 2010
Abnormal behavior is classified into several major theories. The major theories related to abnormal behavior describes the various characteristics of abnormal behavior. There are specific behavioral issues as they relate to abnormal behavior and behavior patterns. The V Axes diagnosis is the indebt classification system used to classify abnormal behavior. This system also serves as the guidelines in the treatment of abnormal behavior. Abnormal behavior can be treated and controlled with the assistance of proper treatment and detection. There are many definitions that pertain to abnormal behavior. Most definitions describe abnormal behavior as any behavior deem contrary to normal behavior. The most common criterion for defining abnormality, however, is mal-adaptive behavior. There are two aspects of maladaptive behavior: Maladaptive to one's self - inability to reach goals, to adapt to the demands of life and Maladaptive to society - interferes, disrupts social group functioning (Clarkin). Each culture has its own established set of social, intellectual, adaptive, and emotional norms and any behavior that deviates from these normal are considered to be abnormal behavior. There are several theories of personality: psychodynamic, behavioral-cognitive, social-cultural, and humanistic are some of the theories that are use to aid in defining and the treating of abnormal behavior (Clarkin). Each theory of personality holds an idea or definition of what is abnormal. These theories although they differ in their approach to abnormal behavior focus on a particular aspect of this behavior in order to define their theoretical approach to this behavior. In all theories of abnormal behavior, psychological disorders are classified according to the symptoms involved.