The first part of this course examines various perspectives of abnormal psychology. We seek to understand the nature and causes of abnormal behaviour. The patterns of abnormal (maladaptive) behaviour to be examined are: behaviour and emotional disorders of childhood and adolescence, eating disorders, substance-related disorders, anxiety disorders, dissociative and somatoform disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia.

Stress and the psychological connection to mental illness and health will be investigated. Students will also study mental health law in Canada. The second part of this course examines the fundamental crisis theory that will serve as a basis for assessing, intervening and evaluating resolution of a crisis event. A six-step model of intervention is also presented along with specific helping objectives in order to guide the crisis interventionist.

Recognizing that suicide risk often accompanies a crisis, students will recognize suicide lethality, and acquire specific techniques involved in interrupting a suicide attempt. Prevention and postvention measures will also be examined. Other crises to be discussed are crises related to loss, substance abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder, child abuse, intimate partner abuse and sexual assault. Finally this course will deal with the topic of death notification.

42 Hours