Question

Regarding the central differences between 'abnormal' behavior and 'maladaptive' behavior, why is distinction so important to clinical psychology.

Answer 1

Regarding the central differences between 'abnormal' behavior and 'maladaptive' behavior, why is distinction so important to clinical psychology.

Abnormal behaviors could be defined as behaviors which are socially unacceptable and have come out as a result of disrtorted thoughts. There may be a number of reasons for abnormal behaviors. Maladaptive behaviors are behaviors that would be harming a person. This is the term that is constantly used for referring to the conditions that would lower the well being of a person. As the behavior of a person is not reduced through separate or individual behaviors and would only be dysfunctional to the person himself, these behaviors are maladaptive. Maladaptive behaviors are forms of coping behaviours which are unproductive.

Both of these terms are a part of abnormal psychology. Unless a clinical psychologist is able to identify the correct cause of behavior, he will not be able to correct the behavior. Maladaptive behaviors are mostly due to coping issues, if the psychologist is not able to identify this, how would he decide the central cause of behavior such as a turmoil within self. These antisocial behaviors could become highly harmful for one self, and if the treatment continues for the wrong cause, the patient will never be cured.