Textbook of abnormal psychology / by Roy M. Dorcus ... and G. Wilson Shaffer.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Dorcus, Roy M. (Roy Melvin), 1901-1968, author.

Shaffer, G. Wilson (George Wilson), 1901-1992, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Psychology, Pathological.

Medical Subjects:

Psychology, Pathological.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Edition:

Third edition.

Other Title:

Abnormal psychology.

APA PsycBOOKS.

Place of Publication:

Baltimore : The Williams and Wilkins company, 1945.

System Details:

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

text file

Summary:

"Without reflecting any discredit on the pioneer treatises on this topic, it can fairly be said that the present volume marks the beginning of an epoch. In fact, I am strongly inclined to believe that the volume signalizes the beginning of the scientific era in abnormal psychology. The authors, it would appear, have produced a work which is in line with the foundations laid by Pierre Janet, and infused with the spirit of the great French pathologist. While the work of Janet has necessarily been restricted to the clinical aspects, the present authors have coordinated therewith the contributions of general and experimental psychology; thus producing a structure worthy of its foundation. I am impressed, in the first place, with the vast amount of materials collected in this volume. No other book has attempted such a task. Obviously, this is a sharp departure from the conventional type of psychology text, in which "easy steps for little feet" has become more and more the rule. In conjunction with the literature-references, which are of extraordinary definiteness, the book furnishes a starting point from which the really industrious student may branch out into any subtopic in this complicated field. In the second place, I am impressed with the critical balance of the book. Giving the various isms and theories their places, the authors avoid imposing on the reader either isms or emotional anti-isms (which is more than I can say for my own writings). Without being subjected to the stress of violent iconoclasm, the reader is prepared for immunity to both pseudo-psychological novelties and ancient superstitions. There are various points of interpretation, of course, on which I should take issue with the authors; and on some of these points I should possibly be right. These features of the presentation, however, increase my appreciation of, and respect for, the whole. The authors, and the psychological profession are to be congratulated on this magnum opus, which demonstrates, among other things, that scientifically minded psychiatrists and psychologists can work together in harmony and fruitfulness: for, it should be said, this book has a history which is not superficially obvious; and in that history, Dr. Chapman has played a part of no small importance. In observing the trends which have developed in the last five years in the field of abnormal psychology and in related fields, the authors are of the opinion that there has not been any marked change in directional lines. It is true that a vast amount of research and case material has been published, and certain new schools of theory seem to have developed. However, if new language is discounted, most of the material can be treated adequately under the existing framework that has stood the test of time. We have, therefore, continued our presentation of new material within this conventional framework and have attempted to show how some of the newer concepts are related to the older ones. Retaining the basic plan of earlier editions we have incorporated the results of research where they seemed most appropriate and have added three hundred sixty-five new references. In addition, as a result of suggestions made by our colleagues who have used the earlier editions and of our own teaching experiences, we have rearranged some of the material in order to obtain greater clarity for the student. In view of the new material that has been presented and of the reorganization of earlier points of difficulty we believe that both the student and the research worker in the field of abnormal psychology will find the third edition a worthwhile contribution to the field"--Foreword. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved)

Notes:

"First edition January, 1934."

Bibliography: pages 495-529.

Electronic reproduction. Washington, D.C. : American Psychological Association, 2005. Available via the World Wide Web. Access limited by licensing agreement. s2005 dcunns.

Other Format:

Original

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.