In the Third Edition of Abnormal Psychology, author William J. Ray brings together current perspectives concerning the manner in which the human mind, behavior, and experience can be understood. In addition to the traditional psychological literature, The Third Edition draws from work in the cognitive and affective neurosciences, epidemiology, ethology, and genetics. Ray's focus is on a unification and integration of the biopsychosocial understandings of human behavior within a broader consideration of human culture, neuroscience, and language as it applies to abnormal psychology. With coverage of DSM-5, ICD, and RDoC, the fully revised Third Edition puts even greater emphasis on the range of human experiences and medical comorbidities.
This comprehensive work presents a broad range of cases drawn from the clinical experience of authors Kenneth N. Levy, Kristen M. Kelly, and William J. Ray to take readers beyond theory into real-life situations. The authors take a holistic approach by including multiple perspectives and considerations, apart from those of just the patient. Each chapter follows a consistent format: Presenting Problems and Client Description; Diagnosis and Case Formulation; Course of Treatment; Outcome and Prognosis/Treatment Follow-up; and Discussion Questions. Providing empirically supported treatments and long-term follow-up in many case studies gives students a deeper understanding of each psychopathology and the effects of treatment over time.
Neuroscience Perspectives concerning Human Behavior and Experience
Many books in evolutionary psychology emphasize just a small part of the total picture. William J. Ray's book gives students a clear understanding of how current psychological knowledge of human behavior and experience draws from a variety of perspectives. It begins with an understanding of evolution and the close connection between organisms and their environment, focusing on how the environment and genes can influence humans and the cultures of which they are a part. Using current research in social processes, decision making, and brain imaging, Ray explores how humans solve certain life problems in the same way that many non-human species do. He also highlights human abilities not seen in other species, including our ability to use language, develop culture, and create writings and art that can influence other humans thousands of years later. Written in a clear, easy-to-understand manner, the book emphasizes developmental processes and family relationships, sexual and social relationships, and emotionality and language. It concludes with an examination of health and disease, psychopathology, and culture, all seen through an evolutionary lens.
Presents key topics with an emphasis on experimental research and logic. Students will learn the importance of developing testable hypotheses, how to evaluate new information critically, and the impact of research on ourselves and our society.
