PSY3031

Abnormal psychology

Mr Gordon Walker, Dr Stephen Brown, Ms Christine Ffrench, Dr Eleonora Gullone, Dr James Phillips

6 points - First semester - Two lectures and a two hour workshop per week - Distance education students must complete a minimum of 12 hours on-campus weekend school laboratory work - Caulfield, Clayton, Gippsland, Peninsula and distance - Prerequisites: PSY2011 and PSY2022

Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to relate their knowledge of personality, biological processes and human development to abnormal behaviour; contrast historical and current major theoretical perspectives of abnormal behaviour; appreciate the reciprocal influences of biology on behaviour as well as psychological and social influences on biology; attain insight into the way the theoretical perspective adopted by a clinician can influence the manner of explaining how psychological disorder is considered to develop and how it is treated; demonstrate familiarity with methods of assessing psychological disorder and the main systems of classifying disorders; demonstrate familiarity with DSM-IV criteria and understand the process of creating diagnoses; appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of classifying abnormal behaviour; attain an advanced level of skill in critical evaluation of research relevant to abnormal behaviour and carefully and comprehensively evaluate theoretical issues in relation to abnormal behaviour.

Synopsis This subject covers all the major aspects of abnormal behaviour in adults and children. Historical influences, theory, research, assessment and diagnosis, specific psychopathologies, treatment methods, and ethical and legal issues will be examined. The course will adopt a multidimensional integrative approach to psychopathology, and will therefore examine genetic, behavioural, biological, emotional, social and developmental influences in relation to the disorders considered. Emphasis will also be given to the effect of cultural factors on the manifestation and treatment of psychological disorders. The effectiveness of treatments in relation to particular disorders will also be considered. Both the scientific and professional aspects of abnormal psychology will be presented. Efforts will be made to give students the broadest possible view of abnormal behaviour by studying the various behaviour deviations from different theoretical perspectives.

Assessment One 3-hour examination: 50% - One 2000-word literature review: 25% - One 2000-word theoretical essay: 25%

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook