Question

Write a short, 1-2 page essay regarding the central differences between 'abnormal' behavior and 'maladaptive' behavior. In your paper be sure to describe why this distinction is so important to clinical psychology.

Answer 1

Abnormal behavior and maladaptive behavior

Abnormal behavior and maladaptive behaviors have often been confused as being the same. In psychological terms, both of these behaviors are different. There are two forms of behaviors - maladaptive and abnormal. 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. These behaviors are carried out in response to anxiety but will not relive anxiety, rather will be increasing tension and problems for a person.

An example of maladaptive behaviors could be substance abuse. Substance abuse is one of the behaviors that a person employs as a coping mechanism, to stay away from stress, escape from the low self esteem or the problems in family or problems faced in childhood. As a result of which, the person resorts to substance abuse which provides temporary relief to them. Though, temporarily they are relieved, on a long term basis, this behavior drains them of economies, and makes a person dependent on the substance, compelling them to resort to it again and again to seek relief. As a result, the person becomes addicted. This leads to severe health conditions being dysfunctional to the individual.

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. These reasons range from the biological perspective to the psychodynamic and cognitive perspectives. According to the medical perspective or biological perspective, abnormal behaviors arise through a medical condition. In order to control such behaviors, psychological treatments are suggested. The psychodynamic perspective states that psychological disorders arise as a result of anxiety coming from unconscious conflicts or unresolved issues. Treatment would be through resolution and identification of conflicts. Cognitive perspectives explains that such behaviors are taken up by people as a result o f false assumptions or negative thoughts.