Abnormal psychology and modern life [antikvár]

Preface Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life has gained through its earlier editions a justified reputation of leadership in the highly competitive marketplace of texts in this field. We approached the task of preparing this Sixth Edition with great anticipation and eagerness, but also with no small measure of anxiety; we wanted it to be at least as good as its predecessors—a goal that frankly intimidated both of us. Readers familiar with earlier editions will be able to judge for themselves the extent to which that goal has been accomplished. Such readers will also be aware that, in many ways, this is still James Coleman's book. We would not wish it otherwise. Indeed, perhaps the most compelling impression we both retain from our work on the present edition is of the enormous talent and skill of our senior colleague as a scholar and author. In a myriad of instances we found it impossible to improve upon the depth, conciseness, and clarity of the original prose. We have, however, done more than merely tinker with the previous edition. While the basic structure of the text remains much as it was, we have extensively reorganized many of the chapters internally and to some extent rearranged the sequence and emphases of chapter progression. We have given somewhat greater attention to biological factors in the causation and maintenance of disorders, especially the more severe ones; for example, a discussion of biological treatment approaches is now included as a separate chapter. We have revamped the treatment sections within chapters, broadening the focus to include newer emphases such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. And, of course, we have updated the entire text with respect to the latest research findings and reconceptualizations of the fundamental issues in the field. All of these changes have been made in keeping with our percep- tions of the intensive development and differentiation of the field since the publication of the last edition. A particular problem for this edition has been that of maintaining currency with the several revisions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III), that occurred during the period of writing; changes in this document during the final stages of our work required several rewrites, including some at the galley stage. We appreciate the cooperation of Doctors Robert Spitzer, Keith Brodie, and Frederick Hine in response to our efforts to make this book accurately reflect the final version of DSM-III. One of our ambitions was to shorten the book through compression and elimination of less crucial material. However, we found, as with the mythical dragon of antiquity, that removal of a limb at one point would result in two more growing back at another. We learned that the field of abnormal psychology defies adequate abbreviated treatment. Given the character of previous editions of the book, our decision had to be that thoroughness and comprehensiveness were primary considerations. Thus, the Sixth Edition is only modestly shorter than the Fifth. As with previous editions, we have endeavored to the extent feasible to make chapters largely independent of one another. The course instructor may therefore take considerable liberty in eliminating certain chapters or in rearranging the sequence in which students are introduced to them. In general, the sequence of the Sixth Edition may be summarized as follows: Part I sets forth a framework for understanding abnormal, or maladaptive, behavior, including common misconceptions, accepted definitions, and attempts at classification. A brief historical discussion traces the changing views of mental disorders from ancient to mod-