What is the Difference Between Psychopathology and Abnormal Psychology?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between psychopathology and abnormal psychology lies in their definitions and focus. Here are the key differences:
- Definitions:
- Abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology that studies abnormal behavior, which deviates from what is considered "normal" and can be maladaptive and disruptive to an individual's life.
- Psychopathology refers to the study of mental disorders or mental illnesses.
- Focus:
- In abnormal psychology, psychologists study a wide range of abnormal behavior, including maladaptive patterns that disrupt an individual's life.
- In psychopathology, the focus is specifically on mental illnesses and mental disorders.
- Connection:
- Abnormal psychology studies the nature of psychopathology, as mental disorders can be considered a subset of abnormal behavior.
- Psychopathology can be viewed as a subdivision of abnormal psychology, as it focuses on a specific type of abnormal behavior.
In summary, abnormal psychology is the broader field that studies any behavior that deviates from the norm, while psychopathology is a subset of abnormal psychology that specifically focuses on mental disorders and mental illnesses.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Psychopathology and Abnormal Psychology? Comparative Table: Psychopathology vs Abnormal Psychology
Comparative Table: Psychopathology vs Abnormal Psychology
Here is a table comparing psychopathology and abnormal psychology:
Feature | Psychopathology | Abnormal Psychology |
---|---|---|
Definition | The study of mental illnesses | A subfield of psychology that studies "abnormal" or "atypical" behavior, as well as various psychological disorders and psychopathology |
Focus | Mental illnesses | A wide range of abnormal behaviors and psychological disorders |
Professionals Involved | Clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals | Various professionals, including clinical psychologists and psychologists |
Diagnostic Tools | Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) | Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) |
Models | Psychodynamic, biological, cognitive-behavioral, and social-cultural models | Varies depending on the specific abnormal psychology being studied |
Connection | Psychopathology can be viewed as a subdivision of abnormal psychology | Abnormal psychology studies the nature of psychopathology |
Please note that the terms "psychopathology" and "abnormal psychology" are often used interchangeably, and there is no universally agreed-upon distinction between the two fields. The table above represents the general differences and similarities between the two fields as they are commonly understood.
Read more:
- Psychopath vs Sociopath
- Psychology vs Psychiatry
- Normal vs Abnormal Behavior
- Anthropology vs Psychology
- Psychosocial vs Psychological
- Sociology vs Psychology
- Psychologist vs Clinical Psychologist
- Pathology vs Pathophysiology
- Psychologist vs Psychiatrist
- Psychology vs Social Psychology
- Forensic Psychology vs Forensic Psychiatry
- Physiological vs Psychological
- Narcissism vs Psychopathy
- Psychosis vs Neurosis
- Cognitive vs Behavioral Psychology
- Philosophy vs Psychology
- Clinical vs Counseling Psychology
- Pathophysiology vs Pathogenesis
- Psychoanalytic vs Psychodynamic