A Conceptual Overview of Deviance and Its Implication to Mental Health: a Bio psychosocial Perspective

This research paper is a conceptual overview of deviance and its implications to mental health and well-being. The study conceptualized and theorized deviance and mental health through the sociological,biological, and psychological dimensions. All theories agreed that deviant behaviour begins from childhood through old-age. This suggests a deviation from behaviour appropriate to the laws or norms and values of a particular society. This makes deviance to be relative, depending on the society and individual. Mental illness and Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder (PTSD) as the inflicted or labelled deviants are unable to cope. The behavioral aftermath of PTSD typically involves increased aggression and drug and alcohol abuse, which could lead to anxiety, depression, insomnia, plus memory and cognitive impairments or mental disorder. The paper recommends policymakers in collaboration with behaviorism health specialists (Clinical psychologists), should focus on developing and implementing social learning preventive and reformative programmes through role playing, behaviour modification, social support system, and peer and group psychotherapy among others.