Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach - Hardcover

Barlow, David H.; Durand, V. Mark

4.02

691 ratings by Goodreads

9780534203580: Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0534203582 ISBN 13: 9780534203580

Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing, 1994

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This breakthrough book offers professors and students a more authentic, personal, and thoroughly scientific picture of what psychological disorders are and how they can be assessed and managed. Unlike the piecemeal ''single-cause, single treatment'' model offered in other abnormal psychology texts, Barlow and Durand demonstrate that disorders are determined by multiple forces: biological, psychological, social, cultural, familial, and political forces, the only approach that today's scientists would subscribe to. Writing in narrative, forceful prose, the authors challenge readers to think about how and why people become troubled and what is done to help them. Throughout the book, Barlow and Durand masterfully integrate concepts with case examples and citations from the literature to demonstrate the connection between research and practice. And, because in contemporary thinking therapy cannot be viewed separately from the disorder, the latest and most effective treatments (both drug and psychosocial) are discussed within the context of the disorder.

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About the Author:

David H. Barlow is an internationally recognized expert and leader in clinical psychology, having pioneered many treatments and investigations in anxiety and mood disorders. Currently Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at Boston University, Dr. Barlow is also founder and Director Emeritus of the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, one of the largest research clinics of its kind in the world. Previously, he was distinguished professor at State University of New York at Albany. From 1975 to 1979, he was professor of psychiatry and psychology at Brown University, where he also founded the clinical psychology internship program. From 1969 to 1975, he was professor of psychiatry at the University of Mississippi, where he founded the Medical School psychology residency program. Dr. Barlow received his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, his M.A. from Boston College, and his Ph.D. from the University of Vermont. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement award from the American Psychological Association and is a fellow of the American Psychological Society.

Review:

"The books' organization reflects and helpful, cumulative approach to learning. The disorders proceed from the most common and easily understood (anxiety disorder) to the more complex (schizophrenia and Axis II disorders). In addition, the book introduces early and in simple terms, concepts that are often difficult for students, then elaborates on those concepts with increasing greater detail and complexity as the book progresses. Its treatment of physiological contributes to psychopathology is particularly illustrative of this approach." "Not only are the logical, sequential organization of the book and its balanced content pedagogically beneficial, but is compassionate approach also appeals to the empathy and interest of readers from its opening paragraph: Today you may have gotten out of bed, had breakfast, gone to class, studied, and at the end of the day, enjoyed the company of your friends before dropping off to sleep. It probably did not occur to you that there are many physically healthy people who are note able to do some or any of these things. What they have in common is a psychological disorder (p. 2). By inviting students to imagine the experience of living with a psychological disorder, the authors engage them not only intellectually but also experimentally in their research to understand psychopathology. The opening blood-injury-injection phobia case immediately invites students to think systematically about the boundaries between psychopathology and mental health, and to consider the disorder multi-dimensionally, including the separate and interactive roles of biological, behavioral, social, emotional, and cognitive influences."

"Barlow and Durand instead use case study material effectively, selecting cases more typical than glamorous and emphasizing the heterogeneity of disorders though multiple examples." "Of course, written descriptions do not convey the full range of psychopathological phenomena and the CD-ROM companion the textbook allows students to view clinical interviews of people with a range of disorders. The portrayals of schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression are quite helpful in illustrating their symptoms."

"Among undergraduates, spontaneous praise for textbooks is somewhat unusual, but in classes where I have used and earlier edition of this textbook, students have often voiced unsolicited appreciation. This textbook's ability to motivate students has been evident. Many students used superlatives to describe it, with the most frequent comments identifying it as the 'most readable' or 'most fascinating' textbook of their college careers." "It presents and excellent overview of research, clinical descriptions that accurately portray how disorders affects individuals and an empathetic approach to the suffering experienced by affected individuals, their families, and friends, and other close associates. Barlow and Duran's work serves as a textbook for all reasons of undergraduate enrollment in abnormal psychology. It combines the best current scientific research with clear clinical descriptions, and its compassionate approach affirms the author's own words that people a re larger than their disorders."

"I found this text to be bold, definitive, and a necessary resource for students and practitioners of psychology."

"Barlow and Durand's book is quite superior to my current text in that it is more comprehensive, visually appealing, and presents the material in multiple ways, making it easier for students with different learning styles to rehearse the material in the ways that make most sense to them (e.g. visual vs. narrative)."

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