The authors’ scientist–practitioner approach helps students understand how theory and practice blend

Chapter-opening clinical vignettes introduce and illustrate the topic of the chapter, bringing the subject matter to life. Though these descriptions are not extensive case studies, they serve to help the reader get a global “feel” for each disorder. Additionally, short case vignettes found throughout the text illustrate specific clinical elements.
Real Science, Real Life case studies at the conclusion of each chapter offer a clinical presentation, assessment, and treatment of a patient with a particular disorder, drawn from the authors’ own clinical files. These case studies demonstrate how the clinician considers biological, psychological, environmental, and cultural factors to understand the patient’s clinical presentation. The authors also describe the treatment program and outcome, highlighting how all of the factors are addressed in treatment. Through these concise cases, students can view firsthand the scientist–practitioner approach to abnormal behaviour.
Ethics and Responsibility features illustrate how psychologists consider the impact of their behaviour on those with whom they work and on society in general. This feature is designed to generate class discussion and impress on students the impact of one’s behavior upon others.
Dimensions of Behavior: From Adaptive to Maladaptive features illustrate the dimensionality of human emotions (such as elation or mania). These features emphasize that psychological disorders are not simply dictated by the presence of emotions or specific behaviors, but by whether the emotions or behaviors create distress or impair daily functioning.
Examining the Evidence features present a current controversy related to one of the disorders in the chapter. To emphasize the scientist–practitioner focus, the authors present both sides of the issue and lead students through the data, allowing them to draw their own conclusions. By considering both sides of these hot-button issues, students will become savvy consumers of scientific literature.
Research Hot Topic features present topical, leading-edge research near the time of publication. By focusing on contemporary research developments, these features illustrate how science informs our understanding of human behavior in a manner that is engaging to students.
Real People, Real Disorders features discuss popular figures who have suffered from a condition discussed in the chapter. By presenting well-known people who suffer from psychological disorders, the authors humanise these conditions and allow students to connect with the material on an emotional as well as an intellectual level.
Where relevant throughout the text, the authors discuss the current literature regarding the effect of sex, race, or ethnicity on a disorder’s clinical presentation, etiology, and treatment.
Learning objective summaries provide quick reviews at the end of chapter sections, allowing students to be sure that they have mastered the material before proceeding to the next section.
Critical thinking questions at the end of each module can be used to challenge students to think “outside the box” and critically examine the material presented within that section.

New and updated content ensures a contemporary learning experience

Obsessive–compulsive and impulse control disorders are covered in detail via a wholly new chapter. The new Chapter 5 provides in-depth coverage of attention disorders characterized by repetitive behaviors, including obsessi

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Abnormal Psychology: A Scientist-Practitioner Approach, 4th edition

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