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Abnormal Psychology by Ronald J. Comer

Abnormal Psychology

Book Description

“Abnormal Psychology” by Ronald J. Comer is a comprehensive and insightful eighth edition textbook that explores the fascinating realm of psychological disorders and abnormal behavior. This edition, carefully crafted by a veteran professor at Princeton University, offers an in-depth understanding of the field of abnormal psychology, delving into its history, research methods, and major theoretical approaches.

The book begins by laying a solid foundation, delving into the definition of psychological abnormality and the various criteria that help classify behaviors as abnormal. It takes readers on a journey through the history of abnormal psychology, showcasing how our perceptions and treatments of mental health issues have evolved over time, from ancient views to contemporary paradigms.

A fundamental aspect of this book is its exploration of diverse theoretical models that attempt to explain abnormal behavior. It covers biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and sociocultural perspectives, allowing readers to grasp the multifaceted nature of psychological disorders. Each perspective is thoroughly examined, providing insights into how they perceive, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions.

Understanding psychological disorders requires a nuanced approach, and this book provides just that by highlighting assessment and diagnostic methods. From clinical interviews to psychological testing, it offers an insightful glimpse into the tools and techniques that psychologists employ to assess and diagnose abnormal behavior.

Moving beyond theoretical and assessment aspects, the book meticulously details various psychological disorders categorized into different groups. It covers anxiety disorders, mood disorders, problems of mind and body, psychosis-related disorders, and life-span problems. Within each category, it offers an in-depth exploration of specific disorders, their characteristics, diagnostic criteria, and available treatment options.

The eighth edition of “Abnormal Psychology” pays keen attention to real-life case studies, historical developments, and modern advancements in the field. It integrates these elements seamlessly, providing a holistic understanding of psychological disorders while emphasizing cultural and societal influences on mental health.

Whether you are a student of psychology, a practitioner, or simply intrigued by the human mind and its complexities, this book is an invaluable resource. It navigates the intricate landscape of abnormal psychology, offering a rich blend of research, theory, and practical applications that make it an essential read for anyone seeking to comprehend the intricate world of psychological abnormalities and their treatments.

Book Contents

• CHAPTER: 1 Abnormal Psychology: Past and Present
• What Is Psychological Abnormality?
• Deviance
• Distress
• Dysfunction
• Danger
• The Elusive Nature of Abnormality
• What Is Treatment?
• How Was Abnormality Viewed and Treated in the Past?
• Ancient Views and Treatments
• Greek and Roman Views and Treatments
• Europe in the Middle Ages: Demonology Returns
• The Renaissance and the Rise of Asylums
• The Nineteenth Century: Reform and Moral Treatment
• The Early Twentieth Century: The Somatogenic and Psychogenic Perspectives
• Current Trends
• How Are People with Severe Disturbances Cared For?
• How Are People with Less Severe Disturbances Treated?
• A Growing Emphasis on Preventing Disorders and Promoting Mental Health
• Multicultural Psychology
• The Growing Influence of Insurance Coverage
• What Are Today’s Leading Theories and Professions?
• PUTTING IT TOGETHER: A Work in Progress
• SUMMING UP
• PSYCHPORTAL
• PsychWatch Verbal Debuts
• PsychWatch Marching to a Different Drummer: Eccentrics
• PsychWatch Modern Pressures: Modern Problems
• PsychWatch Positive Psychology: Happiness Is All Around Us
• CHAPTER: 2 Research in Abnormal Psychology
• What Do Clinical Researchers Do?
• The Case Study
• How Are Case Studies Helpful?
• What Are the Limitations of Case Studies?
• The Correlational Method
• Describing a Correlation
• When Can Correlations Be Trusted?
• What Are the Merits of the Correlational Method?
• Special Forms of Correlational Research
• The Experimental Method
• The Control Group
• Random Assignment
• Blind Design
• Alternative Experimental Designs
• Quasi-Experimental Design
• Natural Experiment
• Analogue Experiment
• Single-Subject Experiment
• PUTTING IT TOGETHER: THE USE OF MULTIPLE RESEARCH METHODS
• SUMMING UP
• PSYCHPORTAL
• PsychWatch Animals Have Rights
• MediaSpeak On Facebook, Scholars Link Up with Data
• PsychWatch Clear as a Bell?
• PsychWatch Humans Have Rights, Too
• CHAPTER: 3 Models of Abnormality
• The Biological Model
• How Do Biological Theorists Explain Abnormal Behavior?
• Biological Treatments
• Assessing the Biological Model
• The Psychodynamic Model
• How Did Freud Explain Normal and Abnormal Functioning?
• How Do Other Psychodynamic Explanations Differ from Freud’s?
• Psychodynamic Therapies
• Assessing the Psychodynamic Model
• The Behavioral Model
• How Do Behaviorists Explain Abnormal Functioning?
• Behavioral Therapies
• Assessing the Behavioral Model
• The Cognitive Model
• How Do Cognitive Theorists Explain Abnormal Functioning?
• Cognitive Therapies
• Assessing the Cognitive Model
• The Humanistic-Existential Model
• Rogers’ Humanistic Theory and Therapy
• Gestalt Theory and Therapy
• Spiritual Views and Interventions
• Existential Theories and Therapy
• Assessing the Humanistic-Existential Model
• The Sociocultural Model: Family-Social and Multicultural Perspectives
• How Do Family-Social Theorists Explain Abnormal Functioning?
• Family-Social Treatments
• How Do Multicultural Theorists Explain Abnormal Functioning?
• Multicultural Treatments
• Assessing the Sociocultural Model
• PUTTING IT TOGETHER: INTERGRATION OF THE MODELS
• SUMMING UP
• PSYCHPORTAL
• PsychWatch Maternal Instincts
• PsychWatch Cybertherapy: Surfing for Help
• CHAPTER: 4 Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment
• Clinical Assessment: How and Why Does the Client Behave Abnormally?
• Characteristics of Assessment Tools
• Clinical Interviews
• Clinical Tests
• Clinical Observations
• Diagnosis: Does the Client’s Syndrome Match a Known Disorder?
• Classification Systems
• DSM-IV-TR
• Is DSM-IV-TR an Effective Classification System?
• Call for Change: DSM-5
• Can Diagnosis and Labeling Cause Harm?
• Treatment: How Might the Client Be Helped?