Psychology 381:  Abnormal Psychology                                                                                                     

Instructor:   

Scott Palmer, Ph.D.

Director, Behavioral Health Clinic

St. Cloud Hospital/CentraCare Health Plaza

Office Phone:  320-229-4945

e-mail:  palmers@centracare.com

                       

Course Description

Abnormal Psychology is an overview of the full spectrum of psychological disorders, with an examination of the field’s research, explanations, controversies, and impact on the lives of men and women. Abnormal Psychology will explore the symptoms, causes, and treatments of each disorder, and students will learn a wealth of information through case studies that shed insight on the real-life impact of these disorders.

 

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in abnormal psychology.
• Use scientific inquiry and critical thinking to explain psychological disorders from six different perspectives—biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and sociocultural.
• Exhibit effective presentation skills in a group presentation related to Abnormal Psychology.
• Discuss major symptoms, explanations, and treatments for a variety of mental disorders, including:
• Anxiety disorders    \
• Personality disorders
• Somatoform disorders
• Disorders of infancy, childhood, and adolescence
• Dissociative disorders 
• Eating, sleep, and psychophysiological disorders
• Mood disorders    
• Substance-related disorders
• Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders   
• Sexual and gender identity disorders
• Cognitive disorders and intellectual disabilities

 

Learning Activities

Students are expected to study the textbook independently, and the contents of the text will not be systematically covered by way of lectures. Keeping up with the reading assignments is essential for meaningful participation in class discussions and learning activities. Class time will be utilized to learn supplemental information through the use of lecture, audiovisual aids, and practical “hands-on” experience with diagnostic assessment procedures, small-group discussion, and group presentations.

 

Source Materials

Text:                         Comer, Ronald (2015). Abnormal Psychology ,9th Ed. New York: Worth Publishers.

Comer Web Page:    www.worthpublishers.com/comer

Web link for practice quizzes: http://bcs.worthpublishers.com/comerabpsych8e/#t_748929____

  

Class Attendance Policy: Because of the amount of small group work done in this class, others rely on your presence. Absenteeism may result in dismissal or grade reduction at the discretion of the instructor.

 

 

Group Projects

Students will be assigned to one of six groups on the first night of class. Your group will be responsible to help the class learn the issues relevant for your group’s topic in a presentation that will last 60 – 75 minutes. Your group will also prepare a written “resource sheet” (not an outline) to be handed out to the class. Groups are encouraged to use creativity and innovation in presenting your topic in class. Topics include:

 

Group #       Date                Topic

Group 1:      October 7       

Courts may be called upon to commit non-criminals to mental hospitals for treatment, a process called civil commitment. This group will explore the concepts and thinking behind civil commitment, including Minnesota law, legal rights of committed patients, and potential controversies.

Group 2:      October 14     

State and Federal laws impact the mental health profession by requiring psychologists and physicians to measure patient outcomes. This group will explor the major concepts and thinking behind patient outcome measures, outcome-directed psychotherapy, and evidence that demonstrates the benefits of measuring outcomes.

Group 3:      October 21     

Integration of behavioral health providers into primary healthcare settings is gaining momentum as the nation attempts to lower the total cost of healthcare. This group will explore the models of integration, the “triple aim”, and the thinking and research behind integrated behavioral health.

Group 4:      November 11 

State and Federal laws include statues pertaining to to “competence to stand trial” and the insanity defense. This group will describe the history, major concepts, and the various “tests of insanity” used in our Federal and State Courts.

Group 5:      November 18 

Improvements in technology has produced rapid changes in the delivery options for mental health care. This group will explore the pros and cons of social networking, internet-based support groups, apps, and cybertherapy.

Group 6:      December 2    

Psychologists and other mental health professionals are guided by ethics. This group will explore ethical principles as defined by Minnesota Statutes and the ethical principles of the American Psychological Association, and will describe the process of what happens in Minnesota when a psychologist violates an ethical standard?

 

Performance Evaluation

Four in-class quizzes will be administered at regular intervals during the semester, each expected to last 60 to 90 minutes. Each quiz will be based on your responses to multiple-choice items and short essay-type questions. You can expect the short essay-type questions to involve material from class lectures, group presentations, and case examples. The group project will count 75 points.

 

Performance Evaluation Components

Test     Date of Quiz      Topic                                                                        Chapters                       Points

Test 1   September 16    Abnormal Psychology in Science/Clinical Practice   Ch. 1, 3 and 4                   75

Test 2   October 7           Problems of Anxiety & Mood                                    Ch. 5, 7 and 8                    75

Test 3   October 28         Problems of the Mind & Body                                   Ch. 10, 11 and 13              75

Test 4   December 9       Problems of Psychosis & Cognitive Function           Ch. 14, 15, 16 and 18        75

                                       Group Project                                                                                                       75

TOTAL POINTS                                                                                                                                        375

 

 

Determination of Final Grade for the Course

Letter Grade           Interpretation                          Percent

      A                        Excellent                                  94 to 100%

      AB                     Very good                                 90 to 93%

      B                        Good                                        86 to 89%

      BC                      Above Average                        80 to 85%

      C                        Satisfactory                              75 to 79%

      CD                     Unsatisfactory                           70 to 74%