What This Document Is
These are lecture notes from PSY 470: Abnormal Psychology at Grand Canyon University, compiled by Larry Laprade. The notes cover foundational concepts in the field, beginning with historical perspectives on abnormal behavior and progressing into models used to understand and treat psychological disorders. It’s a chronological overview of the evolution of thought within abnormal psychology.
Why This Document Matters
These notes are valuable for students enrolled in Abnormal Psychology courses, particularly those at Grand Canyon University. They serve as a study aid, providing a condensed overview of key topics discussed in lectures. The notes are most useful during course review, exam preparation, or as a reference point for understanding the historical context of modern psychological approaches. They establish a baseline understanding of the field’s core principles.
Common Limitations or Challenges
These notes represent a specific instructor’s interpretation and presentation of the material. They are not a substitute for required readings or comprehensive study. The notes provide an overview, but lack the depth of analysis found in textbooks or scholarly articles. This preview only includes content from the first two lecture sessions; the full document covers a wider range of models and disorders.
What This Document Provides
The full document includes:
* A definition of Abnormal Psychology and its core goals.
* Discussion of the “Four Ds” (Deviant, Distress, Dysfunction, Danger) as criteria for defining abnormality, along with their limitations.
* A historical overview of views and treatments of abnormal behavior, spanning ancient times, Greek/Roman periods, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the 19th century.
* An introduction to the concept of “models” or paradigms in science, specifically as applied to understanding abnormality.
* Initial exploration of the Biological Model of abnormality.
* Lecture dates indicating the progression of topics (January 10th and 12th, 2018).
This preview focuses on the historical context and foundational definitions presented in the initial lectures. It does *not* include detailed explanations of specific psychological models beyond the introduction to the Biological Model, nor does it cover specific disorders or treatment approaches.