This course is part of the Abnormal Psychology Specialization

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218 ratings

Jen D'Andrea

13,162 already enrolled

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.

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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

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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.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Course 1 of 3 in the

Abnormal Psychology Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 14 hours to complete

English

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Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.78/5 (89 Ratings)

Jen D'Andrea

Director of Counseling and Psychological Services

13,162 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.

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating99%(1,666 ratings)

Week1

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 Psychology9mAssessment, Diagnosis, and Classification6mThe Biological Model5mThe Psychodynamic Model8mThe Cognitive Behavioral Model7mThe Humanistic Model6mThe Sociocultural Model10mGood Mental Health4m

6 readings

What is Abnormal Psychology?10mClassifying Mental Disorders15mModels of Abnormal Psychology20mClinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment25m(YouTube) 5 Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms You Shouldn't Ignore 7mOpen Reflection Question30m

1 practice exercise

Quiz #130m

Week2

Week 2

3 hours to complete

Mood Disorders: Depression and Mania

3 hours to complete

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

Week3

Week 3

3 hours to complete

Anxiety Disorders

3 hours to complete

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

Week4

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 Trauma7mAcute Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder9mModels for Understanding Acute Stress Disorder and PTSD6mTreatment Interventions6mSociocultural and Multicultural Considerations5mNoticing Another's Distress and Handling a Difficult Conversation11m

3 readings

Stress and Trauma Disorders30mSupplemental Reading25mOpen Reflection Question10m

1 practice exercise

Quiz 430m

Reviews

4.9

58 reviews

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TOP REVIEWS FROM INTRODUCTION TO ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

by ASMar 20, 2022

The course was very interesting and taught me a lot of new skills!

by MPSep 20, 2022

Well structured to take you through abnormal psychology, it's treatment, and the broader context of mental illness.

by DRSep 25, 2022

I have always been fascinated with different psychological disorders and trying to better understand them. The material was easy to understand and kept my attention.

by EOct 14, 2021

Very clearly set out and orgainsed course. Loved the supplementry reading. An excellent course thank you!

View all reviews

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. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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Introduction to Abnormal Psychology

About this Course

What you will learn