Introduction to Clinical Psychology 8th Edition

Book Preface

In the seven previous editions of this book, we tried to accomplish three goals. First, we wanted a book that, while appropriate for graduate students, was written especially with sophisticated undergraduates in mind. Many undergraduate psychology majors express an interest in clinical psychology without having a clear understanding of what the field involves and requires. An even larger number of nonmajors also wish to know more about clinical psychology. We felt that both groups would benefit from a thorough survey of the field which does not go into all the details typically found in graduate study only texts.
Second, we wanted to present a scholarly portrayal of the history of clinical psychology, its scope, functions, and future that reviewed a full range of theoretical perspectives. Our goal is to present approaches to clinical psychology—psychodynamic, relational, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, systems, group, etc.—fairly, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the empirical evidence supporting each of them. We do champion the empirical research tradition of clinical psychology throughout the book because we believe it is a necessary and useful perspective for all clinicians to follow, regardless of their theoretical orientation.
Third, we wanted our book to be interesting and enjoyable to read. Because we like being clinical psychologists and because we enjoy teaching, we tried to create a book that communicates our enthusiasm for its content.
Though we are still guided by the above goals, we sought to make some significant changes in the eighth edition. Since our last edition, numerous changes have occurred in clinical psychology and in the health care delivery system, both in the United States and internationally. Accordingly, we have undertaken a comprehensive updating of research and other material in all chapters. With over 900 new references, we have described how research has led to new ways to conceptualize, assess, and treat psychological dysfunction. Some of the other significant changes are listed below.

New To This Edition

New pedagogical features. In addition to the updated study/discussion questions, and updated websites, the new features include suggestions for movies and memoirs, and bibliographical references at the end of each chapter.
New case material. Cases have been updated and their number increased in order to make the material more compelling for students.
Updated diagnostic criteria. The new edition discusses changes made in the DSM-5 and the controversies that continue to surround diagnostic classification.
Greater integration of research and practice. Rather than presenting these topics pitted against one another, we stress the importance of both and highlight the growing consensus created by focusing on clinical utility; we synthesize the Common Factors and Evidence-Based approaches to effectiveness research and update discussion of treatment planning.
Discussion of new mental health delivery models. We discuss how technologies have affected the options for delivering mental health services, including going well beyond the traditional individual psychotherapy model.
Revised presentation of several assessment instruments. We have included discussion of the PAI, MMPI-2, and MMPI-2 Restructured Clinical Scales and others; expanded discussion of cultural fairness and bias in psychological testing; revised and integrated our presentation of clinical versus actuarial prediction.
Updated topics of relevance to students. Many topics that are of particular interest to students have been updated, including the evolving roles of technology and social media, information on careers within clinical psychology, the use of evidence-based practices; new techniques such as mindfulness which have become integral to the field; the status of complementary and alternative medicine.

Updated information on getting into graduate school. This edition informs students about the new GRE scoring system and provides updated information on how to apply to graduate school, with special focus on new hardcopy and on-line resources.
Updated discussion of clinical psychology training. We’ve added information on the new PCSAS accreditation system, the current internship crisis in clinical psychology, new choices in graduate training, and the increasing importance of multicultural competence.
Updated discussion of popular therapies such as relational psychodynamic approaches, motivatinal interviewing, and emotion-focused therapy.