Topics and Learning Objectives
XIII. Treatment of Abnormal Behavior
This section of the course provides students with an understanding of empirically based treatments of psychological disorders. The topic emphasizes descriptions of treatment modalities based on various orientations in psychology.
AP students in psychology should be able to do the following:
- Describe major treatment orientations used in therapy (e.g., behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychoanalytic/psychodynamic).
- Compare and contrast different treatment formats (e.g., individual, group, family).
- Summarize effectiveness of specific treatments used to address specific problems.
- Discuss how cultural and ethnic context influence choice and success of treatment (e.g., factors that lead to premature termination of treatment).
- Describe prevention strategies that build resilience and promote competence.
- Identify major figures in psychological treatment (e.g., Aaron Beck, Albert Ellis, Sigmund Freud, Carl Rogers, B. F. Skinner, Joseph Wolpe).