The course takes a scientist-practitioner approach and emphasizes the rich blend of both the science and practice of abnormal psychology throughout the course work. The developmental trajectory of each condition is discussed where appropriate and scientific findings with respect to race and gender are incorporated into discussions about each condition. Biological findings are integrated with findings from social and behavioral sciences, highlighting the complexity of abnormal behavior and how it is often influenced by a wide range of variables. Learners are encouraged to look at psychological disorders along a continuum and analyze disorders in terms of whether the individual’s behavior creates distress or impairs daily functioning. An effort is made to “bring to life” the nature of these conditions by providing vivid clinical descriptions.
