Real Science. Real Life. Presents a balanced Scientist - Practitioner - Educator approach to understanding Abnormal Psychology. Several features distinguish this text from other textbooks currently available. First, the base of abnormal psychology rests on knowledge generated through scientific studies and clinical practice. This text emphasizes this rich blend throughout. Second, it is increasingly clear that most forms of adult abnormal behavior either begin in childhood or have childhood precursors. This text highlights what is known about the developmental trajectory of each condition. Such a focus is instrumental in helping students gain some insight into the etiology of maladaptive conditions. Third, Beidel integrates biological findings with findings from social and behavioral sciences to foster the perspective that abnormal behavior is complex and subject to many different forces, and highlight how these variables often interact in a reciprocal fashion. Fourth, scientific findings with respect to race and gender are discussed with respect to each condition. This includes a discussion of prevalence, differences in symptom manifestation, and any known etiological differences. Importantly, an effort is made to "bring to life" the nature of these conditions by providing vivid clinical descriptions. In addition to short descriptions used liberally throughout each chapter, a fully integrated case study is presented at the end of each chapter, again illustrating the interplay of biological, psychosocial and emotional factors. MyPsychLabcontains study tools such as flashcards, self tests, videos, as well as Speaking Out: DSM in Context which ties real patient interview videos to specific content from the DSM-IV, helping students understand how the DSM-IV criteria applies to real people experiencing disorders. MyPsychLab is available atwww.mypsychlab.com. Visit the Beidel preview website to view a sample chapter, sample Speaking Out: DSM in Context videos, watch an interview with the author, read reviewer quotes, and much more! http://www.pearsonhighered.com/showcase/beidel1e/