... | | |Abnormal Psychology | Copyright © 2010, 2009, 2007 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to theories and research concerning abnormal behavior (psychopathology). The course will address such topics as the incidence (frequency) of abnormal behavior of various types; how abnormal behaviors are classified into various diagnostic categories; the etiologies (causes) of psychological disorders; and the variety of methods employed in the treatment of abnormal behavior. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: • University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Hansell, J., & Damour, L. (2008). Abnormal psychology (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Meyer,...
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...One of the trickiest scientific ideas to define is abnormal psychology. There are very few universally accepted theories in the science of psychology and with a field that is so open to interpretation defining what is normal is a tall order. Interpreting the meaning of research data is a matter of perspective and is often open to debate. Everyone perceives things through their own concept of the world and since no two people experience the world in the exact same way the definition of normal varies from person to person and culture to culture. In this paper we will examine the field of abnormal psychology, a few common disorders, and the varying methods of therapy from the differing psychological schools of thought. Normal vs. Abnormal Psychology “Defining what is abnormal depends on how one first defines what is normal” (Davis & Buskist, 2008, p. 237). Psychology in general terms is the study of the mind. We study mental processes and human behavior to better understand the human condition. In trying to study the mind and understand the processes of thought there is much overlap from other disciplines; to fully understand behavior we must gain an understanding of all that goes into the process. There are biological, neurological, and evolutionary components to cognition and reaction. There is also a strong philosophical aspect to appreciating the idiosyncrasies of human behavior. In modern psychology there are four main schools of thought: psychodynamic, behaviorist, cognitive...
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...University of Phoenix Material Psychotherapy Matrix Select three psychotherapy approaches to summarize. Include examples of the types of psychological disorders appropriate for each approach. |Interpersonal Therapy (ITP)[Insert therapy approach] |Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)[Insert therapy |[Insert therapy approach]Cognitive Therapy (CT) | | |approach] | | |Summary of |On page 584 of Dan Hockenbury’s Discovering Psychology, |Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was defined in Dan |Cognitive Therapy on page 594 of Dan Hockenbury’s | |approach |ITP is a brief psychodynamic psychotherapy that focuses on|Hockenbury’s Discovering Psychology, page 596 as a therapy|Discovering Psychology is defined as a therapy developed | | |current relationships and is based on the assumption that |that integrates cognitive and behavioral techniques and |by Aaron T. Beck that focuses on changing the client’s | | |symptoms are caused and maintained by interpersonal |that is based upon the assumption that thoughts, moods, |unrealistic and maladaptive behaviors. The person will be | | |problems. “During the first phase of treatment, the |and behaviors are interrelated. “Therapists design an |taught to monitor automatic...
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...Abstract: Disordered self-image, sense of self, and self-esteem are affected negatively by dysfunctional family systems. Maladaptive perfectionism affects mood, causes decreased self-esteem, and contributes to the development of avoidance tactics. Adolescent dysregulations includes disordered eating behaviors and/or eating disorders, anxiety, depression, body dissatisfaction, and extreme attempts at weight control; all of which can be caused by child sexual abuse, maladaptive perfectionism, parental attachment issues, and the development of alexithymia. Other dysregulations include faulty coping mechanisms, which are also affected by anxiety, depression, and neuroticism. Thesis: An adolescent’s sense of self, self-image, and self-esteem are affected by dysfunctional family systems, including family systems that reflect child sexual abuse, poor attachments, alcoholism, and the development of alexithymia. The adolescents in families such as these have psychological reactions to their disordered self-images and the dysfunctional family systems. Dysfunctional Family Systems and Disordered Self-Image Adolescent development of eating disorders, disordered eating behavior, and/or subclinical eating behaviors may be caused by perfectionism, child sexual abuse, or other trauma such as having alcoholic parents. Poor self-esteem, poor sense of self, and family dysfunctions may be caused by perfectionism, childhood sexual abuse or other trauma as well. Attachment difficulties on the part...
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...McDougal Chapter 15 - #1 Anxiety disorders are a class of disorders marked by feelings of excessive apprehension and anxiety. Studies suggest that anxiety disorders are quite common, and affect roughly 19% of the population. For this assignment I am focusing on a subject with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Post-traumatic Stress Disorder involves enduring psychological disturbance attributed to the experience of a major traumatic event. My subject is now 38, and lived in New Orleans when hurricane Katrina ravished through the south. His symptoms include re-experiencing the event in the form of nightmares, emotional numbing, alienation, anxiety, anger, and guilt. Research suggests that about 7% of the population has suffered from PTSD at some point in their life, and that prevalence is twice as high among women.¹ The etiology of PTSD, like most psychological disorders, develops out of complicated interactions among a variety of biological and psychological factors. In this case, my subject had witnessed many people die, lose their homes, and devastate his city of New Orleans. There are many factors that play into the role of PTSD; I’ll briefly cover each of them. * Biological factors: In studies that assess the impact of heredity on psychological disorders, investigators look at concordance rates. A concordance rate indicates the percentage of twin pairs or other pairs of relatives who exhibit the same disorder. The results of these studies suggest...
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...that eating disorders are difficult to treat because of causes such as genetics, psychological and emotional health or society. Annotated Bibliography Brownell, Kelly D; Fairburn, Christopher G (2005). Eating Disorders and Obesesity A Comprehensive Handbook. This article will provide a comprehensive study of eating disorders. Molecular genetics of eating disorders will show examples of how genetics is used to find causes of eating disorders. It will show how researchers in neurobiology have used eating behavior to try to find the different reasons why people have eating disorders. A variety of substances is believed to be involved in the complex process of integrating physiological and behavioral systems. Kelly D Brownell, PhD, is a credible source because of his knowledge. He is a Professor of Psychology at Yale University. Christopher G Fairburn is credible also because he specialize in research on nature and treatment of eating disorders. He has addressed different aspects of the eating disorder such as diagnostic status, epidemiology, etiology, assessment, course, and treatment. This article will provide comprehensive coverage of the main issues of relevance to the eating disorder for research paper. It will help with procedures used to determine the causes of eating disorders. Eating Disorders-Clinical Trials. Retrieved from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Eating-disorders/Pages/clinical-trial.aspx This article focuses on what cause eating disorders. It details...
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...Cheryl L. Mclean WAOL Intro to Psychology Eating Disorders Chapters 12 and 13 February 18—24 Eating Disorders Have you ever known anyone personally who has had an eating disorder? Is this a disorder that only affects teenagers? I’m a soon to be 47 year old who can say in my life time at least one in every 10 of my friends have suffered from some sort of eating disorder. I can also say that a few of my friends who have had an eating disorder did not grow out of it by their adult years. It is sad to say but I have even witnessed how one of my girlfriends behavior even affected her 8 year old daughter. One morning when the child woke up, she complained about be very bloated and fat. This child did not have an ounce of fat on her. I remember at that time worrying that if this child is concerned about her weight at age eight how will she view her self image in her teenage years and will she result to the extreme measures that her mother has taken to remain slim. There are several types of eating disorders but the two most dangerous ones are Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa. Anorexia People with anorexia have an extreme fear of weight gain and a distorted view of their body size and shape. As a result, they can't maintain a normal body weight. Some people with anorexia restrict their food intake by dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise. They hardly eat at all — and the small amount of food they do eat becomes an obsession (TeensHealth...
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...20, 2012 Elizabeth Jorgensen Site Visit Report The Eating and Weight Disorder Center of Seattle (EWDC) is one out of a group of treatment centers in Seattle called Evidence-Based Treatment Centers (EBTC). EWDC offers treatment for different eating and weight disorders. The program does not single out one type of population, as they serve a variety of populations. The disorders that EWDC help their clients with do not stand-alone as they usually lead to medical complications and mental health issues. These concerns were instrumental in determining the opening of the EWDC. It is important that individuals seek help, as it is the first step to recovery. Staff The staff at EWDC includes five licensed psychologists. Angela Doyle and Peter Doyle are both co-directors and licensed psychologists. Co-authoring many articles and book chapters, Dr. Angela Doyle also presents her work at national and international conferences. Dr. Peter Doyle authored and pre-authored numerous articles and book chapters in peer-reviewed journals and delivers invited speaks of eating disorders at notional and international conferences. Angela Davis earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology worked at Harborview Medical Center on a study evaluating cognitive behavior therapy for over-weight and obese adults with binge eating disorders. She has also received extensive training in the latest version of cognitive-behavior therapy for eating disorder. Dr. Davis has authored and co-authored book chapters and...
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...Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa Comparison Essay Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are eating disorders that involve serious eating practice that are considered to be very dangerous and even fatal if not corrected. These disorders normally occur as a result failure to lose weight through regular dieting and a desperate desire to lose weight. It is believed that eating disorders are caused by a lack of confidence and satisfaction with one’s self-image and an abnormal desire to fit into the modern day profile of perfect body shape and size. Although they are two separate disorders they share many commonalities and differences. They both are believed to have biological, sociocultural and psychological implications that motivate or stimulate the development of eating disorders (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2011). A maladaptive perception of body size and shape is evident in persons suffering from both anorexia and bulimia who believe that they weigh too much and are too fat or too heavy regardless of their actual weight or appearance (Shisslak, Crago, & Pazda, 1990). The major difference between the two disorders is the criteria established by DSM-IV-TR that defines each disorder; for example with anorexia nervosa, the patient refuses to maintain body weight at or above the minimally weight based on their age and height. They have an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat even though they are underweight. They are in denial of the seriousness of their low body weight...
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...Abnormal Psychology and Therapy PSY/300 August 30, 2010 Bonnie Johnson Abnormal Psychology and Therapy Abnormal Psychology is psychology that’s main purpose is to use research in an effort to classify, diagnose, and treat psychological disorders and illnesses. Everyone experiences some kind of worry, fear, and even anxiety. When an individual cannot control their emotions and daily life becomes affected they may suffer from a disorder or illness that is very complex. Abnormal vs. Normal When comparing normal and abnormal psychology there are key differences. Normal psychology deals with the feelings that should be felt. Abnormal psychology deals with the feelings we experience that we shouldn’t . We should not live everyday in constant fear for no reason. When our feelings start controlling our life on a daily bases this is abnormal. Compare and Contrast There are two main divisions in psychology: normal and abnormal. Both of these branches can be easy to distinguish, but the lines between them may be blurred as well. To better understand these two sides of psychology it is necessary to understand what each division represents in this field (Critical psychology, 2001). Normal psychology is what an average animal experiences in response to emotional stimuli. For example, a woman’s boyfriend severs relations between the two people. In the average situation, the woman would be depressed for a short period of time. This sadness could stretch to several weeks or...
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...Nervosa Psychology 101 Abstract This research paper will deliver information about bulimia. It will provide and support people who have bulimia. It will analyze the causes and effects of this disorder. There will be a verification of treatments for bulimic disorder. This research will pinpoint anyone who shows symptoms of bulimia. It will clarify how it is essential for family members and friends to provide assistance when needed to restrain bulimia. The study will give guidance on the available treatments offered to the public. It will provide the symptoms a person might encounter that have bulimia. It will consist of the danger that could accelerate the chances of developing bulimia. The data given will help the researchers to pass it on a clinical psychologist that will decide if the person shows up positive with bulimia. Bulimia Nervosa Bulimia nervosa can be defined as an eating disorder described by constant binge eating and consuming a lot of calories immediately followed by vomiting or purging. People with bulimia are difficult to be recognized because the eating and purging is done in private. Also, they can maintain a normal healthy weight, so it is not noticeable at first glance. A bulimic can take in an excessive amounts of food within a short period of time. The person loses control and it is estimated that about 3,400 calories was consumed roughly over an hour and to make matters worse about 20,000 calories can be eaten by in eight hours. (Psychology Today)...
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...Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa Sandra Quick Dr. Kathleen Dunley, Ph.D University of Phoenix I remember the day as if it were yesterday. My Mom and I were in a room designated for the bride and her wedding party to dress for the wedding. My Mom had tears streaming down her face, tears of joy I assumed. I was wrong; she was crying because I was 28 years old, weighed only 92 pounds and was suffering from a serious disease called Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Every day since that day in June, I struggle to prevent relapse. AN is a serious disease that effects primarily American woman usually around age14. By focusing on why an individual is affected by AN, what treatment is available, and the large number of those that relapse, this essay will show why so many people do not seek treatment, additional research is needed and so many individuals relapse. Eating disorders are not followed by the Federal Government; therefore, no statistics show if there is an increase or if simply more patients are diagnosed. “It’s a national disgrace that we still don’t have published data on how many people have an eating disorder.” (Monroe-Striegel, 2006, p. 123), who heads the psychology department at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, Ninety percent of American adults are aware of at least one eating disorder. According to the Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, teachers from elementary and middle schools report that...
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...Doctors have long suspected that childhood sexual abuse is a common theme in the back ground of women with bulimia nervosa. This hypothesis has come under much scrutiny and as a result, has been tested and re-tested time and again. Studies have had findings stating everything from, there is no evidentiary support for this hypothesis, to there is a non-specific correlation and yet other studies claim that childhood sexual abuse is a direct risk factor for bulimia nervosa. More recent articles seem to point toward some type of relationship between bulimia nervosa and childhood sexual abuse. The process of finding this information takes some digging. Many search engines (including Medscape, Proquest, and Google’s scholarly article search) were used. Much of the research in this area seems to have been done approximately ten years ago and therefore was not current enough to be used. These older studies also have a common theme in that they tended to lean toward the opinion that bulimia nervosa and childhood sexual abuse are not directly related. The more current articles on this subject agree more with the school of though that bulimia nervosa is closely related to childhood sexual abuse. According to Pearlstein (2002) “Many older studies involved clinical rather than community samples” (p. 5) which may shed some light on why their results showed little to no correlation with bulimia nervosa and childhood sexual abuse. If there is a relationship between childhood sexual abuse...
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...Date Anorexia Nervosa One of the most common eating disorders in the world is anorexia nervosa. A patient who suffers from anorexia nervosa loses at least fifteen percent of the normal minimum weight. Anorexia nervosa incidences are increasing these days with many cases recorded for the past few decades. In every 100,000 persons, there are between eight to thirteen cases of people suffering from anorexia disorders. For instance, statistics show that nearly seven thousand people in Hong Kong suffer from anorexia nervosa. Moreover, anorexia nervosa is more prevalent among girls under adolescent between the ages of 15 to 20 years of age who are a high risk. Moreover, more than 95% of people suffering from anorexia nervosa are females. Anorexia nervosa, and according to research it normally starts affecting adolescent girls from the age young age of around 13 years all through their entire life up to around 20 years of age. As a result, this essay will target the cases of the adolescent girls between 15 to 20 years of age as they have higher risk or have the problem already. Individuals experiencing eating disorder at times find it difficult to differentiate between what is either normal or abnormal. Anorexia nervosa has many behaviors and thoughts among them body image distortion, inability of maintaining healthy body weights, eating habits that are scarce and fear of eating due to weight gain (Bryson, 2014). Anorexia nervosa may not have huge...
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...lead to more severe situations, such as eating disorders or even suicide. The idea which has created these issues has developed over time through media and the fashion world. The idea that women are to look a certain way and wear a specific size has caused much turmoil for those living in the Western world. It has been proven through research and studies that show the impact media and advertising has on a woman’s self-esteem as well as her self-image. It has become a cultural idea for women to have thin, curve-free bodies, which cause women who do not fit the image to feel body dissatisfaction along with an importance of the woman’s weight leading her toward depression. Though men can be effected by the stereotypes of body images, it is higher amongst women (Rizon and Fallon, 1988). How Media Portrays the Thin-Ideal The media portrays the thin-ideal through many different aspects. It almost always uses a communicator (the person who is used to relay the message of how thin is the best body image), a message (this is different depending on the type of media used), the channel (which is also different depending on what message the communicator is trying to portray), and finally the audience (who the communicator desires to reach through his or her message using a specific channel). An example of this type of media would be a Weight Watchers commercial. Recently, they have begun to use Jennifer Hudson as a spokesperson, or in social psychology terms, the communicator. She uses Weight...
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