Understanding Abnormal Behavior

by David Sue, Derald Wing Sue, Stanley Sue

Written in an engaging, accessible style, this text teaches students to understand abnormal behavior in the ways mental health professionals study and attempt to treat it--scientifically and clinically. The Sixth Edition introduces multicultural models in a wider, theoretical framework at the start of the book--explaining broad perspectives through cultures, small groups, and individuals.Disorder charts diagramming the categories of each disorder (based on DSM-IV criteria) now include all disorders and list the symptoms, onset, prevalence, course, and outlook for each disorder.Focus On sections examine various high-interest issues, providing stimulating and informative reading.Critical Thinking sections prompt students to weigh the evidence and apply theoretical perspectives and personal experiences to arrive at an evaluation of controversial issues.First Person essays give first-hand accounts of personal and professional experiences in the mental health field.

Genres: Psychology, Textbooks, School, Reference, Nonfiction, Read For School, College

579 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

David Sue, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Psychology and an associate at the Center for Cross-Cultural Research at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington.

Reviews

[Caroline Lake]

Read literally every page of this for class so I figured it should count toward my reading goal. Honestly a well written textbook! Informative and not super boring. I appreciate their use of real-world examples to illustrate certain disorders. Reading this cover-to-cover as my only means of learning in this class was unfortunately not most effective for me overall. Decent textbook, will be transferring schools.

[Ben]

It's a textbook, but it's not boring. I really appreciated the continuous focus on the various interpretations of (and treatment methods for) each disorder from the different schools of psychological thought (cognitive, behaviorist, etc.)

The multiculturalist slant never felt too heavy-handed or tacked-on. It was brought in merely to shed light on missteps or assumptions in Western thought.

[des]

9th edition is outdated for certain disorders and isn’t up to date with current edition of the DSM-5. Still a really comprehensive guide for students, and I like the use of multipath model as well as the real life scenarios that are used to direct learning. Read for a class 👌

[Shadow]

It's a textbook. Nothing flashy and nothing mind blowing. Clear and precise. One of the better psychology text books I've used.

[Xolisa Teti]

The book is excellent

[Nicole]

you should read this if you really want to know about anything in the field of abnormal psychology. took this class with the same book, only different edition. it really explains mental disorders in a way that you would understand. i never really "studied" the book, as it i was basically just pleasure reading (even though it was the textbook for my class)