What is the primary focus of abnormal psychology?

The primary focus of abnormal psychology is on understanding behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that deviate from societal norms. This field examines how these deviations may manifest as psychological disorders or maladaptive behaviors and how they affect an individual’s functioning in society. Abnormal psychologists look at the classification, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various psychological conditions, emphasizing the impact of these deviations on an individual's life and their interactions with the world.

While other aspects like genetic predispositions, early childhood experiences, and social influences are certainly relevant in the study of psychology and can contribute to the understanding of mental health, they represent more specific domains or factors that may influence abnormal behavior. The core of abnormal psychology is centered on identifying and defining what constitutes abnormality in behavior and cognition, providing a framework for diagnosis and treatment based on these deviations from societal standards.