A Behavioural and Experiential Perspective on Abnormal Behaviour

Those endorsing a behavioural and experiential view of abnormal behaviour contend that environmental variables and experience observed are the re

asons for abnormal behaviours. Abnormal behaviour is a consequence of faulty learning and conditioning.

Case example:

John’s father frequently abused his sister sexually during their childhood when their mother was at work. John now married and has a daughter repeats the same behaviour with her because he learned the abusive behavior from observing his father doing the same with his sister.

The treatment approach to help John is to reshape his maladaptive behaviour to more adaptive responses. His thoughts would be cognitively restructured and he would learn the correct way of parenting.