Essentials of Abnormal Psychology (Paperbound Version with CD-ROM, Practice Tests, and InfoTrac) - Softcover

V. Mark Durand is known worldwide as an authority in the area of autism spectrum disorders. He is a professor of psychology at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, where he was the founding Dean of Arts and Sciences and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Dr. Durand is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and has received over $4 million in federal funding to study the behavior problems in children with disabilities. Previously he served in a variety of leadership positions at the University at Albany, including chair of the psychology department, interim dean of Arts and Sciences, and founder of the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. He received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. (all in psychology) at the State University of New York Stony Brook. Dr. Durand was awarded the University Award for Excellence in Teaching at SUNY Albany in 1991, and the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Research and Creative Scholarship at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg in 2007. Currently a member of the Professional Advisory Board for the Autism Society of America, he is the co-editor of the Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions and has written 10 books as well as over 100 publications on functional communication, educational programming, and behavior therapy. Dr. Durand developed a unique treatment for severe behavior problems that is used worldwide. Most recently he developed an innovative approach (Optimistic Parenting) to help families work with their challenging children.

"...the author's use of the integrative approach to psychopathology provides extensive explanations of (the) nature of the various psychological disorders, making this text one of the most comprehensive abnormal texts I have come across. I find that the text presents the historical and theoretical perspectives of psychopathology and recent research in abnormal psychology in a manner that is easy for students to comprehend. Additionally, this text is very innovative in its utilization of pictorial integrative models of the various psychological disorders. These illustrations provide students with a clear and comprehensive overview of the types, causes, symptoms, and possible treatments of psychopathology in a simple, colorful display."

"Another strength of the text lies in its smooth, organizational flow, provided in large part by the integrative approach, and the easily comprehensible language with which it was written."

"I particularly liked the use of cross-cultural perspectives with certain disorders, such as with Conversion Disorder. The inclusion of diversity in psychology is an especially difficult task, especially remaining balanced and objective with other cultural perspectives. I applaud their use of cross cultural examples and perspectives..."

"This text does an excellent job of illustrating the 'integrative model.' The wonderful artwork...demonstrates this model visually for the student...I'm highly impressed with this aspect of the Durand/Barlow text."

"The charts and color presentations of the integrative model are wonderful."