Lesson Plans

Psychology, 6th Edition ©2000

by Wade, Tavris

Weeks 23–24

Chapter 16: Psychological Disorders

Performance Objectives:

• Distinguish the common characteristics of abnormal behavior.
• Cite examples of abnormal behavior.
• Relate judgements of abnormality to contexts in which those judgements occur.
• Describe major explanations for the origins of abnormality.
• Characterize the advantages and limitations of different research methods for studying abnormal behavior.
• Discuss major categories of abnormal behavior.
• Explain the challenges associated with accurate diagnosis.
• Consider factors that influence vulnerability to abnormal behavior.
• Discuss the stigma associated with abnormal behavior.
• Speculate about means for promoting greater understanding of abnormal behavior.

Resources:

• Chapter 16: Psychological Disorders—pp. 575–615
• Study Guide and Practice Tests—pp. 437–468
• Instructor's Resource Manual—pp. 547–602
• Test Bank—pp. 372–396

Pacing Guide:

• Dilemmas of Diagnosis—days 1 and 2
• Anxiety Disorders—day 3
• Mood Disorders—day 4
• Personality Disorders—day 5
• Dissociative Disorder—day 6
• Drug Abuse and Addiction—days 7 and 8
• Schizophrenia—day 9
• Mental Disorder and Personal Responsibility—day 10
• Block Scheduling
  Dilemmas of Diagnosis receives one block. Combine Anxiety and Mood Disorders into one block; Personality and Dissociative Disorders require one block. Give Drug Abuse and Addiction one block. Schizophrenia and Mental Disorder and Personal Responsibility should be combined into one block period.

Key Words:

Critical Thinking Questions:

1. Why were slaves who dreamed of freedom once considered mentally ill?
2. Why is the standard guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders controversial?
3. Why are many clinicians and researchers skeptical about multiple personality disorder?
4. Why is the most disabling of all phobias known as the "fear of fear"?
5. How can you tell whether you have major depression or just the blues?
6. How do some people think themselves into depression?
7. Why are some people seemingly incapable of feeling guilt?
8. Why is alcoholism more common in Ireland than in Italy?
9. Why don't policies of abstinence from alcohol reduce problem drinking?
10. Why do most researchers consider schizophrenia a brain disorder?

Troubleshooting Tips:

• This chapter presents an excellent opportunity to bring in a guest speaker. Clinicians (clinical psychologists) are often more than happy to address a class on the topic of psychological disorders .
• A copy of the DSM IV would be a very, very valuable resource.

End-of-Chapter Activity: