Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101681

Coordinator Ruth Brookman Opens in new window

Description Abnormal Psychology is the study of behaviours that cause distress or dysfunction or are judged as deviant within the individual’s culture. This subject examines definitions of abnormality, ways of assessing and diagnosing abnormality, theories of the causation of psychological abnormality and treatments for recognized psychological disorders. Diagnostic criteria from the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders are applied to illustrative cases with emphasis on contemporary Australian research and theory. The development of integrated models of abnormality, including biological, psychological and social factors, is a significant theme of the subject.

School Psychology

Discipline Behavioural Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Pre-requisite(s) BEHV 1016 AND
BEHV 1018

Equivalent Subjects BEHV 3001 - Abnormal Behaviour and Psychological Testing

Incompatible Subjects BEHV 3003 - Abnormal Psychology (online)

Restrictions

Note that only students enrolled at WSU Online may register in the WSU Online subjects offered at that location.

Assumed Knowledge

A basic understanding of core concepts of personality, social and developmental psychology.

Learning Outcomes

1. Distinguish features of contemporary theories of abnormality within the major paradigms, and examine relationships between causal theory, diagnostic criteria and approaches to the treatment of abnormal behaviour (APAC Graduate Attribute 1.1, 1.iii, 1.1iv, 1.1viii, 1.3).
2. Analyse theories of abnormal psychology in cultural contexts, including from Indigenous Australian perspectives.(APAC GA 1.1iii, 1.1xi, 1.2, 1.4).
3. Apply diagnostic criteria to case material and research methodologies to discern the aetiology, course, and treatment of abnormality (APAC GA 1.1 1.1iii, 1.1iv, 1.1viii, 1.1xii, 1.3).
4. Demonstrate skills in the critical evaluation of empirical reports and case studies through literature searches and reviews (APAC GA 1.1xii, 1.3, 1.6).
5. Demonstrate skills in communicating findings from research and case presentations, including interprofessional perspectives (APAC GA, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6).

Subject Content

1. Definitions, history and scope of abnormal psychology; psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, existential-humanistic and systems approaches to causation and treatment of abnormality;
2. Goals and ethics of counselling/therapy; the clinical assessment interview; diagnostic classification systems; a detailed analysis of DSM-5;
3. The impact of culture, gender and developmental stage on diagnosis and treatment; a bio-psycho-social model;
4. Stress, trauma and coping: vulnerability and reactions to stress across the lifespan; psychological factors affecting physical health, psychophysiological and somatic symptom disorders; adjustment disorders; dissociative disorders;
5. Anxiety disorders: diagnosis, aetiology and treatment from an integrated bio-psycho-social perspective;
6. Developmental and Cognitive disorders: with emphasis on pervasive developmental disorders and cognitive disorders of adulthood;
7. Eating disorders
8. Substance use disorders;
9. Psychotic disorders
10. Mood disorders: major depressive disorder; bipolar disorder; the depression-suicide link;
11. Sexual variations and disorders: the continuum of human sexuality and problems of identifying and treating sexual disorders;
12. Personality disorders: definitional problems and classification; Borderline personality disorder;