Introduction

This area of psychology is concerned with the understanding and treatment of dysfunctional behaviours. It investigates the issues of identifying individuals with dysfunctional behaviour and the strategies related to changing such behaviour.

An important starting point is the examination of the concepts of “normality” and “abnormality.” Since the definition of “abnormality” has important implications for the treatment offered, these are examined from the biological, cognitive, and learning perspectives, in addition to the humanistic and psychodynamic perspectives.

Students should develop an increased awareness of the controversial nature of the psychology of dysfunctional behaviour, along with an appreciation of its ethical considerations.

Objectives of the Unit:

• Describe and evaluate relevant theories and empirical studies related to the psychology of dysfunction.
• Explain how cultural, ethical, gender, and methodological considerations affect the interpretation of dysfunctional behaviour.
• Describe and evaluate approaches to treatments for dysfunctional behaviour.
• Discuss the diagnosis and classification of dysfunctional behaviour.
• Analyze the etiology and treatment of dysfunctional behaviours.
• Describe and evaluate different concepts and models of dysfunctional behaviour.

Content:

Concepts of Normality and Diagnosis of Abnormal Behaviour

• Definitions of normality
• Historical and cultural concerns in diagnosis
• Ethical considerations in labeling/diagnosing abnormal behaviour
• Methodology for research in dysfunctional psychology

Depression

• Symptomology of the disorder
• Aetiology of the disorder: biological, cognitive, social
• Directive vs. non-directive therapy
• Evaluation of treatment

Schizophrenia

• Symptomology of the disorder
• Aetiology of the disorder: biological, cognitive, social
• Drug therapy
• Non-biological treatments
• Evaluation of treatment

General material on dysfunction

• A Beginner's Guide to Abnormal Psychology NEW
• Chinese vs. Western psychiatry
• Clinical assessment procedures
• Culture and Abnormality
• Definitions of Abnormality
• DSM classifications
• Faces of Abnormal Psychology NEW
• A Guide to the DSM-IV
• Interpersonal issues in diagnosis
• Issues in diagnosis
• Models of Abnormal Behaviour
• National Institute for Mental Health
• The Oliver Sacks Webpage NEW
• An overview of the perspectives and treatment
• Research methods in dysfunctional psychology
• The role of group therapy
• Therapy - an in-depth look at the perspectives
• Tutorial/self-quiz on Dysfunction
• Witty Ticky Ray

Phobias

• Anxiety Disorder Review sheet
• Phobias - a comprehensive list
• Social Anxiety Disorder

Depression

• Depression Central
• Depression and Creativity
• Depression study guide
• Drugs or talk therapy?
• Effectiveness of Therapies for Depression
• Genetics & Depression
• Learned Helplessness & Depression
• Mood Disorders
• The Origins of Depression
• Women and Depression

Schizophrenia

• Culture and Schizophrenia
• The Dopamine Hypothesis
• Schizophrenia
• Treatment of schizophrenia

Online Videos/Podcasts

• Case study of schizophrenia: Gerald
• Nolen-Hoeksema on Worrying and Depression
• OCD case study
• Panic Disorder
• Psychology with Sandy: Phobias
• The Real Story of Schizophrenia
• What is Depression?