This course is part of the Abnormal Psychology Specialization

Jen D'Andrea

Offered By

Abnormal Psychology SpecializationWesleyan University

About this Course

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This course presents an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology. The course is made up of 5 modules, the first of which provides an introduction to the field through discussions of the concept of psychological abnormality, assessment and classification, and the major models in use for understanding psychological abnormality.  The remaining four modules provide overviews of major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.  Lectures within each of these modules address symptoms and behaviors, epidemiology, causal theories, treatment interventions and multicultural findings and considerations.  
The course also seeks to assist participants with becoming more adept at noticing when a family member, friend, or colleague may be experiencing psychological distress, as well as develop the comfort level required for initiating an empathic, compassionate conversation with a person of concern.  Toward this goal, the last lecture of each module is dedicated to the topic “Foundations of Empathy.”

This course is not designed to assist participants with resolving their own experiences of psychopathology, nor it is intended to prepare participants to act as psychotherapists for distressed individuals in their personal lives.

Flexible deadlines

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Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Course 1 of 3 in the

Abnormal Psychology Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 14 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

What you will learn

An intro level understanding of symptomatology, intervention strategies, and relevant contextual factors of broad experiences of psychopathology.

A fundamental understanding of the indications a family member, friend, or colleague may be experiencing distress

The comfort level required for initiating an empathic, compassionate conversation with a person of concern.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 1 of 3 in the

Abnormal Psychology Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 14 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

Instructor

Jen D'Andrea

Director of Counseling and Psychological Services

618 Learners

1 Course

Offered by

Wesleyan University

Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand. With our distinctive scholar-teacher culture, creative programming, and commitment to interdisciplinary learning, Wesleyan challenges students to explore new ideas and change the world. Our graduates go on to lead and innovate in a wide variety of industries, including government, business, entertainment, and science.

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

Week 1

3 hours to complete

Introduction to Abnormal Psychology

3 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 59 min), 6 readings, 1 quiz

8 videos

Introduction to Abnormal Psychology9m

Assessment, Diagnosis, and Classification6m

The Biological Model5m

The Psychodynamic Model8m

The Cognitive Behavioral Model7m

The Humanistic Model6m

The Sociocultural Model10m

Good Mental Health4m

6 readings

What is Abnormal Psychology?10m

Classifying Mental Disorders15m

Models of Abnormal Psychology20m

Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment25m

(YouTube) 5 Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms You Shouldn't Ignore 7m

Open Reflection Question30m

1 practice exercise

Quiz #130m

Week

Week 2

3 hours to complete

Mood Disorders: Depression and Mania

3 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 40 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz

Week

Week 3

3 hours to complete

Anxiety Disorders

3 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 50 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

Week

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Stress and Trauma-Related Disorders

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 47 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz

6 videos

Introduction to Stress and Trauma7m

Acute Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder9m

Models for Understanding Acute Stress Disorder and PTSD6m

Treatment Interventions6m

Sociocultural and Multicultural Considerations5m

Noticing Another's Distress and Handling a Difficult Conversation11m

3 readings

Stress and Trauma Disorders30m

Supplemental Reading25m

Open Reflection Question10m

1 practice exercise

Quiz 430m

About the Abnormal Psychology Specialization

This specialization provides an introduction to the study of abnormal psychology, with a survey of various mental health concerns through both a modern and historical lens. It concludes with an opportunity to practice effecting behavioral change in your own life through an overview of scientifically-supported treatment strategies. The specialization is not intended to be a replacement for therapy, nor a replacement for formal psychiatric training, but - through a series of lectures, readings, and reflective projects - you will learn many of the basic tenets of how diagnosis and treatment have been applied throughout the existence of the discipline of psychology, how to empathically respond to people in distress, and some basic tools to make desired changes in your own life.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

Introduction to Abnormal Psychology