This course will examine special topics in psychopathology, focusing on disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and depression. Topics to be covered include body image distortion and dissatisfaction, sex differences in the prevalence of eating disorders and depression, cognitive theories of depression, and outcome research on eating disorders and depression. We will focus on the role of cognitive processes (e.g., self-perceptions and appraisals, irrational thought, cognitive distortions) in the etiology and treatment of these and other psychological disorders. Requirements: two hour exams, class participation, and a written and oral presentation. Prerequisites: Psychology 201 or permission of instructor and either Psychology 251 or 252. Empirical Project.
BUCHANAN