Abnormal Psychology - 1st Edition

Reviewed by Angela Mar, Lecturer, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on 11/13/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The textbook does an adequate job of covering the essential topics of the field, and additionally provides a glossary and index that would help a reader find key concepts quickly and efficiently.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

To the extent of this review, the text is accurate and error-free. The textbook states facts, so bias should not be an issue.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The topic of abnormal psychology is going to be one that is studied for generations to come. Although, the diagnostic manual (DSM) is already in its 5th edition and was created in a way to allow for evolve with times and society, so this textbook will need to be updated to adhere to the newest diagnostic guidelines.

Clarity rating: 4

Students who take an abnormal psychology course are usually in their fourth year, almost ready to graduate. Given this, the textbook's clarity should be on par with that of the students' level.

Consistency rating: 5

The terminology is consisten throughout the text and is in line with the DSM diagnostic guidelines.

Modularity rating: 5

I like who the textbook is divided into diagnostic blocks to help the student become familiar with diagnostic guidelines.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

I like how the book reads like the DSM diagnostic manual. The same class of disorders are paired together to better understand the disorders and the similarities between them, which is helpful because of the incidence of comorbidity.

Interface rating: 5

No problems while reviewing.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical errors were encountered during the review of this textbook.

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

The textbook does a fair job of including cultural awareness and sensitivity into the relaying of demographic information about the incidence of each disorder.

Reviewed by Mary Ann Woodman, Adjunct Professor, Rogue Community College on 8/10/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Bridley and Daffin provide one of the most comprehensive treatments of mental health and illness offered in an open textbook. The authors cover nearly every subject and learning objective required for a college introductory course on Abnormal Psychology. They begin with a story to capture the reader’s interest and lay out the intention and format so that it is uncomplicated and clearly understood. The writing style appears easy to read, full of useful, insightful information. There is a significant glossary, list references and an index at the end.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content of the text seems quite accurate and up to date. The authors present subject matter in an unbiased and objective manner. The subject matter as well as the notes on changes in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual and International Classification of Diseases are devoid of errors.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The content seems current and relevant especially to college students who are preparing to work in human services careers. The authors interface statistics, modern research articles and web sites to support the concepts. The text is arranged in a way that new additions could be easily added in the future. The book could use more stories, narratives and visuals supporting the content especially case studies which students may encounter in their lives. Examples of how to apply what one learns to real life would greatly enrich the textbook and easy to coalesce.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is written in lucid, intelligible, easy to read prose. Brief introductions and summaries are offered throughout the book which enhances clarity. No part of the written material seems confusing to the reader. The language and terminology are standard in terms of the learning objectives and information. It may need to be made accessible to students with learning disabilities and thus easily utilized in online course platforms such as Blackboard.

Consistency rating: 5

The text is internally consistent in terms of terminology and framework. The authors might consider spelling out terms in headings such as BDD, BED and FBT. However, the format is totally consistent throughout the entire book.

Modularity rating: 5

The outline of the book is most impressive. The text is readily divisible with reading sections and sub- headings that are precise and uncomplicated. There are no areas with large blocks of text that require further subdivision. The learning objectives are implemented with ease and flow. Having the learning objectives explained is an advantage for college curriculum purposes. There are no sections with an overload of written material nor is there overly self-referential material in the book.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The written material is presented in a logical, explicit and clear fashion. The six modules are laid out with titles and each module subdivided into sections. The authors begin “setting the stage” by introducing the notion of what it means to be normal and move into definitions of abnormality citing the traditional criteria: dysfunction, distress, defiance and danger. They integrate positive psychology with abnormal psychology, so the reader has a broader vision of the field. The history of mental illness, various theories and brief descriptions of the major research methods establish a foundation for the study. Concepts are backed up with research and website references. Clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment contains just the right amount of information. The remainder of the modules treat most of the psychiatric disorders listed in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, with a concise introduction and focus on clinical presentation, epidemiology, comorbidity, etiology, and treatment options. The authors refer the students back to modules 1-3 for reminders of theory and causality. The book includes some information on psychopathology, law, ethics and leaves the reader wondering if gaming is an addiction. It is missing sexual and sleep disorders. Finally, each module is recapped at its close.

Interface rating: 4

The visuals interfaced in the text regarding the nervous system and classical conditioning support the written material. There does not seem to be any distortions, navigation problems or display features that confuse or distract the reader. The remainder of the book contains very few graphs, tables or visuals which would be very useful learning tools to add in the future.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text contains no grammatical or spelling errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The authors state that “culture-sensitive therapies have been developed increasing awareness of cultural values, hardships, stressors, and/or prejudices, the identification of suppressed anger and pain; and raising the client’s self-worth.” Here is one example: “Individuals from non-Western countries (China and other Asian countries) often focus on the physical symptoms of depression- tiredness, weakness, sleep issues, and less of an emphasis on the cognitive symptoms. Individuals from Latino and Mediterranean cultures often experience problems with “nerves” and headaches as primary symptoms of depression (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Multi-cultural psychology appears somewhat integrated into the text material. Naturally, more examples inclusive of race and ethnicity could be employed in the future including Native American and other indigenous cultures.

Comments

The book includes common treatments used for mental illness: CBT, IPT, Modeling, Biofeedback, Rational-Emotive Therapy, EMDR, Exposure and Desensitization, Hypnosis, Relaxation Training, Aversion Therapy, Emotional Regulation and others. It would be helpful to expand treatment options to include Naturopathy (homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine etc), Orthomolecular Medicine (Nutritional Therapy, and Energy Psychology such as EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique, Reiki, Neuro-linguistic Programming, and Group Therapy Workbooks, such as Anger and Stress Management, Drug and Alcohol Programs or SAMHSA Trauma Informed Care Manual that lists numerous programs for Post Traumatic Stress for example. The authors could provide at least one study on the benefits of spiritual practices such as prayer, ritual, mindfulness, music, tribal dance, yoga etc. The significance of spirituality and religious practices is overlooked. A more comprehensive list of various treatments could be included as an appendix. In the section on the history of mental illness, there could be a comment on the fact that former methods of treatment are still employed today and have been improvised to meet the challenges of modernity. ECT, still used in psychiatric hospitals and exorcism/deliverance therapy employed in various religious traditions are merely two examples. Another option would be to place pharmacology at the end of the treatment list instead of the first, primary one in the sections of each module. Then comment about how prescription drugs have side-affects and are sometimes abused by the recipient. A graph of specific phobias, list of common “stressors” with reference to various stress inventories, and examples of adjustment disorders related to college students would enrich the text . The section on suicide could be expanded further as well as additional treatments and current programs for neurocognitive disorders. Overall, Bridley and Daffin have accomplished a major task in edition one. It would be a welcomed text for a college course in Abnormal Psychology.