Final answer:
Various explanations for abnormal behaviors in clinical psychology include demonological, cognitive, social, and medical perspectives, each contributing to a comprehensive understanding of psychological disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
Throughout the varied history of clinical psychology, several explanations for abnormal behaviors have been employed. The explanations that have been used to explain abnormal behaviors include:
Demonological: In ancient and medieval times, abnormal behavior was often attributed to evil spirits or demonic possession. Exorcisms and other religious rituals were conducted in attempts to cure individuals.
Cognitive: With the emergence of cognitive psychology, abnormal behavior is often understood as a result of maladaptive thinking patterns. Cognitive theories suggest that distorted beliefs and thought processes can lead to psychological disorders.
Social: Sociological explanations, like those proposed by Emil Durkheim, focus on how social structures, culture, and relationships can contribute to abnormal behavior.
Medical: A biological perspective, often adopted within clinical psychology, views abnormal behavior as resulting from physiological causes such as genetic inheritance, brain chemistry, or other biological factors.
Each of these perspectives provides a different lens through which clinicians and researchers can understand and address psychological disorders, contributing to a more holistic understanding of mental health.