Abnormal behavior has been studied for many years, and each era has had a different conclusion to the cause and contributing factors. The Ancient Western World believed that the causes for abnormal behavior were natural. During the Middle Ages, came the rise of Christianity which led people to believe that abnormal behaviors were a result of demonic forces. The Renaissance scholars believed that abnormal behavior was caused by mental disorders. Today, we believe in various causes and contributing factors for abnormal behavior. Scientists have studied various behaviors in various individuals, and provide detailed scientific research to support the perspectives that are believed to cause abnormal behaviors.
The Biological Perspective believes that abnormal behavior is caused by genetics, the brain, nervous system, and environment that the individual is surrounded by. This particular perspective is supported by various types of medical research. Research proves that certain characteristics of a person, such as a chemical imbalance in the brain, can be passed on from parent to child. These studies show patterns of abnormal behaviors from generation to generation. Other research provides proof that some individuals have abnormal behaviors because of defects in the brain or nervous system. The defects of the brain and nervous system can range from a lack or abundance of a certain chemical (such as serotonin) or damage done to the brain or nervous system from an illness, accident or other disorder.
The Psychodynamic Perspective believes that abnormal behavior is caused by unconscious thinking and processing. Sigmund Freud believed that finding the source of abnormal behavior lied in understanding the inner-most feeling and emotions of a person. He believed that all behavior could be traced back to a person’s prior experiences and mental processes. Every person has some feeling and emotions stored away in their unconscious minds about their previous...