Essentials of Abnormal Psychology

by V. Mark Durand, David H. Barlow

This brief version of Durand and Barlow's best-selling text was created specifically for those professors who were drawn to the authors' standard-setting integrative approach but who wanted a shorter, easier book for their students. In this briefer version, the authors explain abnormal psychology in the most modern, scientifically valid method for studying abnormal psychology. Through this integrative approach, students learn that psychological disorders are rooted in multiple factors: biological, psychological, cultural, social, familial, and even political. Conversational writing style, consistent pedagogy, video clips of real clients (located on the accompanying free Abnormal Psychology Live 2.5 CD-ROM), and real case profiles - 95 percent from the authors' own case files - provide a realistic context for the scientific findings of the book, and ensure that readers never lose sight of the fact that beyond the DSM-IV-TR criteria, the theories, and the research are real people. With this text, students can take advantage of Abnormal PsychologyNow, our web-based, intelligent study system that, by using online diagnostic pre- and post-tests, helps students prioritize their study time by creating personalized study plans that focus only the sections in which they experienced difficulty.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Textbooks, School, Science, Reference, Psychiatry

584 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Carina Shephard]

I managed to weasel my way into my community college's Abnormal Psych class this past spring (I was the only non-psychology major taking it) and it was absolutely riveting.

The textbook is very easy to read, especially if you have an interest in the subject. I read the online Cengage Unlimited version, but didn't really use some of the features (such as videos).

Be aware that if you do take the class/read the textbook, there is a chapter dealing with sex-related disorders; some topics can be controversial, such as the section on gender dysphoria.

[Allan Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un impresionante viaje por la mente humana y las psicopatologías. Me encantó conocer más sobre los diferentes trastornos.

[Twist · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book & as the title indicates Abnormal Psychology. Enjoyed the class and loved the teacher. I think the book really did well in explaining each abnormality with the description, symptoms, causes, treatment, and of course examples of people that would have the illness. I would buy this book and most likely will later. I did not use the CD -ROM.

[Jocelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was an interesting read with plenty of case studies. I used it in a college Abnormal Psychology class. Although it took a minute to get used to reading a textbook with constant in text citations, it made it easy to look up the actual studies to use for reference in my papers. There were a few times I enjoyed reading those case studies to give more depth to the material in the book. I felt in terms of content, the text certainly covers a lot but that a few of the chapters were disproportionately shorter simply because there were less disorders under that realm to discuss. It was great in trying to provide the newest information and studies while maintaining objectivity as much as possible. I would recommend to a friend interested in abnormal psychology if not for the mandatory overpriced access card.

The access card was severely disappointing as much of the information in the videos were not pertinent to our particular course. The quizzes created from the same publisher as the book had some questions that were incorrect or had more than one correct answer at least 10 -15% of the time. For an online course, that is not an easily made sacrifice.
I also found several questions based not to test our knowledge of the actual material, but more of a subjective viewpoint. Unlike the book, the quizzes sometimes assumed correlation is the same thing as causation which I viewed as a scientific error in reasoning. It was clear to me that Durand & Barlowe were not involved with the online content involved for this textbook as this viewpoint was not evident in the overly objective style textbook. There is a 'crossword' puzzle vocab study guide that did not work on any browser for me nor did it allow me to print it for when I was on the go. The ebook only allows temporary access from the date of purchase. The instructional videos were finicky. Freezing sometimes with very low quality, obvious pixelation, as well as getting chopped off mid-sentence in some lectures. The card offers you a wealth of information for the person casually interested, but it offers so much material (hours and hours of it) and none of it was useful in the course I took.

In the past, I've used other access cards from different books and have seen a much better job elsewhere in that regard. I think it disservices the quality of the textbook in this case. The publisher would be wise to offer a permanent e-book solution available on Kindle, ipad, and Android. The book would need to be updated with new studies every few years so I see no potential loss of profit in doing this and it would be a better use of the extra money gained from forcing students to buy this useless card.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe it's just my fascination with abnormal psychology, but I enjoyed reading this text--even when my eyes started to drift closed from the redundancy of factual information. The case studies were helpful & entertaining as well.

[Angelica Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know you are heading in the right direction when you read a textbook front to back and enjoy it. Nice job Durand and Barlow.

[Lexi Mag · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was well researched and written. I was disappointed with the ablism when talking about autism and Down syndrome. Also, the use of the term Asperger's is outdated and at this point, offensive. I wouldn't expect a lay person to be aware of all of this, but the writers of a textbook about the subject definitely should.

[Amy Wasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, this is a textbook for Grad school, but this was one of the most interesting books I've read in college. I thought Diagnosis class was pretty fun!

[Linda Branham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good Abnormal book . Now I am ready for class,
Each time that books are updated teachers have to read them to keep up to date with what the students are reading :)

[Susan Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume is by far the most comprehensive volume on psychology, disorders, symptoms, reasons and treatment made for all people. Not just for scientific study. This book is a keeper.

[Emily Krueger · Rating 5 out of 5]

very to the point text!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to psychopathology and various disorders

[Emily Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My teacher assigned this book for class but a few weeks into the semester I realized her lectures were sufficient. What I did read from the book seemed written well and interesting.

[Hectaizani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Textbook for my Abnormal Psychology class at UTA. It was fascinating and full of case studies that made it more interesting and entertaining and less dry and full of facts. Overall, I enjoyed the class and it reinforced my interest in psychology.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty standard Intro to Psychology text. I use it in my class but it is a departmental decision. I might chose one that is more biologically oriented, but it did a good job of offering a survey of the areas of psych.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! If you want to learn more about mental health issues, this is the book to read. It gives you a lot of details about different disorders. I read it because I had to, but it was still a good read.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you guessed yet that I am back in school? LOL

[Marie]

Zak : So I can better understand how to interact with you next year.

[Felicia_noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a school book, it was very interesting.

[Amy Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really good for a textbook!

[Janice Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Several chapters where discussed in class and I enjoyed the information presented in the book!