Essentials of Abnormal Psychology in a Changing World

Book excerpt: Essentials of Abnormal Psychology in a Changing Worldtakes an interactionist perspective, enabling students to see the importance of the interplay of psychological, socio-cultural and biological factors in the development of psychological disorders. The brief, streamlined format introduces students to the basic concepts of the field with a clear and engaging writing style. Its accessible, broad, research-based coverage, with superior pedagogy and student-oriented applications provide instructors with a comprehensive text they can fully cover in one term. New concept maps visually link major concepts, to help give students a clear picture of the key ideas within each chapter. The aim of the authors is to bring a much-needed Canadian perspective to the study of Abnormal Psychology. They want to increase awareness of the important, relevant research that has been done and is continuing to be conducted in Canada today. The new second edition builds on the strength of the first by continuing to incorporate Canadian cases and examples of mental illness, to highlight cultural factors, current topics, unique Canadian treatment or prevention programs, and mental health legislation.