Mental Health Graduate Faculty Have Spoken: It's Time to Stop Using the Terms Abnormal Psychology and Psychopathology

Abstract

Background

Research has found that the terms abnormal psychology and psychopathology are stigmatizing. However, these terms are commonly used in academia.

Objectives

This study examined whether faculty members in graduate programs (a) believe the terms abnormal psychology/psychopathology increase stigma, and (b) support adopting a new course title instead of Abnormal Psychology or Psychopathology.

Method

The study participants consisted of faculty across all accredited doctoral, counseling, and social work programs in the United States (N = 3,920). Participants completed a survey assessing their beliefs about the aforementioned terms and answered demographic questions. Data collection occurred between May 2024 and January 2025.

Results

A total of 441 participants completed the survey. The majority of participants (74.38%) believed the terms abnormal psychology/psychopathology increase mental health-related stigma. Results indicated strong support (73.02%) for changing the name of the course focused on mental health conditions instead of using the titles Abnormal Psychology or Psychopathology.

Conclusion

Academics across graduate programs believe the terms abnormal psychology and psychopathology are stigmatizing and should not be used as a course title.

Teaching Implications

It is strongly recommended to no longer use the terms Abnormal Psychology or Psychopathology as the name, or as part of the name, of the course that teaches about mental health conditions.

Keywords

abnormal psychology psychopathology stigma mental health

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