abnormal psychology

noun

1. the branch of psychology that deals with modes of behavior, mental phenomena, etc., that deviate markedly from the standards believed to characterize a well-adjusted personality.

abnormal psychology

noun

1. the study of behaviour patterns that diverge widely from generally accepted norms, esp those of a pathological nature

Word History and Origins

Origin of abnormal psychology¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

This may stem in part from her early career success as an editor at Random House, where she wrote, with two co-authors, a textbook on abnormal psychology.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If you want to understand his psychology, you need to start by taking a book on abnormal psychology off the shelf and reading it.

Read more on Salon

Segal was in her last year of college at Boston University when her abnormal psychology professor gave an assignment to write about people adjusting to situations.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A 1948 Fortune magazine study observed: “Florida is a study in abnormal psychology, useful in signaling the… hidden derangements of the national mood.”

Read more on The Guardian

As well as training and competing, Tennessee is studying for a master's degree in clinical and abnormal psychology at Swansea University, and volunteers for mental health charity Hafal.

Read more on BBC