Abnormal Psychology
​(Undergraduate)

Abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on unusual patterns of behavior, emotion, and thought, often understood within the context of a mental illness.  We cover major psychological disorders by learning about their clinical symptoms, what causes the illnesses, treatment, and prevention.  We explore the interactive contributions of biology, psychology, society, and culture in defining what is “abnormal” and how these various forces contribute to psychopathology.  For example, we learn about the role that friendship cliques play in the development of eating disorders, legal rulings about forcing mentally ill people to take medication, and how cultural beliefs and practices such as voodoo, mind reading, and speaking in tongues can sometimes lead to misdiagnoses. We also focus on preventing mental illnesses, including eating disorders, sleep disorders, suicide, substance abuse and dependence, and antisocial behavior in kids. To bring the course alive, we read and talk about case studies – many from my own clinical and forensic experiences (minus any identifying detail) – and we see video clips of clients showing the symptoms of the illnesses we learn about.  These case studies demonstrate that beyond the DSM-5 criteria, these are real people struggling with these disorders – and that abnormal psychology is about “us” rather than “them.” 

​Course Objectives
  • Recognize major symptoms and categories of mental illness
  • Understand the various factors that cause/contribute to mental illness (e.g., biology, psychology, society, culture)
  • Develop and refine critical thinking skills in order to identify and assess potential treatment options
  • Apply psychological research findings about preventing mental illness to your life (and hopefully others’ lives)
  • Refine writing skills
  • Understand the process of psychological research, such as how we know rates of mental illness and risk factors