Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Abnormal Psychology

by Halgin, Richard P.

• ISBN13: 9780072371932
• ISBN10: 0072371935
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-03-06
• Publisher: McGraw Hill College Div

Summary

This debate style reader is designed to introduce students to controversies in abnormal psychology. The readings, which represent the arguments of leading pscyhologists and researchers, reflect a variety of viewpoints and have been selected for their liveliness and substance and because of their value in a debate framework. This new title will be a beneficial tool to encourage critical thinking on important issues concerning abnormal psychology.

Table of Contents

PART 1 Classification and Diagnosis	1	(40)
Is the DSM-IV a Useful Classification System?	2	(12)
Is There Gender Bias in the DSM-IV?	14	(27)
PART 2 Psychological Conditions	41	(78)
Is Multiple Personality Disorder a Valid Diagnosis?	42	(12)
Does Attention Deficit Disorder Exist?	54	(20)
Is Schizophrenia a Biological Disorder?	74	(12)
Does Post-Abortion Syndrome Exist?	86	(12)
Are Repressed Memories Valid?	98	(21)
PART 3 Treatment	119	(66)
Have Consumer Reports Researchers Proven That Psychotherapy Helps?	120	(16)
Has Too Much Emphasis Been Placed on Empirically Supported Therapies?	136	(18)
Is Ritalin Overprescribed?	154	(12)
Should Psychosurgery Be Used to Treat Certain Psychological Conditions?	166	(19)
PART 4 Social Issues	185	(92)
Does Media Violence Promote Violent Behavior in Young People?	186	(12)
Is Pornography Harmful?	198	(28)
Is the Bell Curve Theory Valid?	226	(22)
Does Religious Commitment Improve Mental Health?	248	(14)
Has the Deinstitutionalization of the Mentally Ill Worked?	262	(15)
PART 5 Ethical and Legal Issues	277	(1)
Should Mental Health Professionals Serve as Gatekeepers for Physician-Assisted Suicide?	278	(20)
Is Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy Ethical?	298	(32)
Is the Abuse Excuse Overused?	330	(18)
Is Electroconvulsive Therapy Ethical?	348